Best overall		Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder		SEE IT	The Bird Buddy offers stylish design, quality images, and a fun app with real-time notifications.
Best for hummingbirds		BirdDock Hummingbird Feeder Camera		SEE IT	The nectar attachment of this feeder can be swapped out to hold seed as well.
Best budget		WYZE Cam v3		SEE IT	This budget option lets you see the birds without any extras.

Bird feeder cameras make documenting our feathered friends fun and easy, but they aren’t created equally. Some are best for bird-watching in your own backyard, while others are better suited to remote locations. More expensive models have features like solar panels, video options, and smart bird identification, while basic, budget models make feeder photography accessible for just about everyone. No matter what you are looking for, the best bird feeder cameras will allow you to capture quality images of the birds who call your area home. 

• Best overall: Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder
• Best trail camera: TECHNAXX Full HD Birdcam TX-165
• Best for bird boxes: Hawk Eye HD Nature Cam
• Best for hummingbirds: BirdDock Hummingbird Feeder Camera
• Best for bird identification: Netvue Birdfy Pro
• Best budget: WYZE Cam v3

How we chose the best bird feeder cameras

There are dozens of bird feeder cameras on the market. Though many of them have the same basic features, they don’t all offer the same level of important features like durability, battery life, and accuracy of species detection. 

To arrive at our top picks, we relied on our own assessment of each device, including hands-on experience with multiple models. Because bird feeder cameras must be durable, weatherproof, and offer long-lasting performance, we also leaned heavily on user experiences and favored well-reviewed products. 

Features like accurate bird identification, solar panel availability, and useful accessories also helped push some models into the limelight. Other options like real-time notification and color night vision were nice to have but not essentials. Still, they didn’t tend to figure into our final decision simply because of their somewhat limited value for bird photography. 

The best bird feeder cameras: Reviews & Recommendations

Choosing a bird feeder camera can be tough. There are dozens of available models, and the prices can range from less than $50 all the way up to $400 or more. The key to finding the right bird feeder camera is not necessarily shopping by price but knowing which features are must-haves and which are not. Not everyone will benefit from AI, for example. You may even prefer to use your own knowledge to identify the birds in your photographs. Below are our favorite options, suitable for a range of situations and users. 

Best overall: Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder

SEE IT

Specs

• AI: Yes, identifies more than 1,000 bird species 
• App compatibility: Android and iOS
• Resolution: 5-megapixel photos, 720p video
• Battery: 4000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, optional solar panel

Pros

• Sharp images with a 120-degree field of view
• Weatherproof from -5°F to 120°F
• The smartphone app allows you to see feeders all over the world
• Compatible with an optional solar panel and lots of accessories
• Three mounting options

Cons

• No local storage, so it can’t be used without Wi-Fi
• Video resolution is lower than some competitors

The Bird Buddy bird feeder camera is relatively new, but it has much to offer, so it earns our top spot. The bird feeder is attractively designed, so it will look nice in your yard or on your deck with some solar lights, which is an important feature for many. It’s available in blue or vibrant yellow, so you can choose an option that fits your style best. I really enjoy the look of the blue Bird Buddy on the side of my porch, which is a big plus. 

The camera module is removable, which is important when it comes time to clean the feeder. It can take five-megapixel photos or offers 720p live-streamed video. The image quality won’t be that of your dedicated mirrorless or DSLR camera, but it is nicely detailed and properly exposed even in backlit situations. And being able to tune in to watch live as a bird chows down is pretty neat. 

The camera’s 120-degree field of view is wide enough to capture birds hanging out on the feeder’s side. You can also buy multiple accessories through Bird Buddy to extend the perch or feed different species. With the solar roof (the model we thoroughly tested and reviewed), you’ll never need to think about charging the camera. Without the solar roof, you’ll need to charge the camera every 5 to 15 days.

The Bird Buddy relies on AI to automatically recognize over 1,000 species of birds. The Bird Buddy app notifies you when you have new visitors to your feeder, which is always exciting. You can even browse other Bird Buddy devices all over the world to see species that you wouldn’t otherwise encounter. Plus, the images from your device contribute to migration information for conservation databases. You’ll be helping science progress while getting fun images of your feathered friends. 

Best trail camera: TECHNAXX Full HD Birdcam TX-165 

SEE IT

Specs

• AI: None
• App compatibility: N/A, no app available
• Resolution: 8-megapixel photos, full HD 1080p video
• Battery: 4 AA batteries give it a working time of up to 6 months

Pros

• Sturdy trail-cam style feeder
• 6-month battery life
• Removable water basin means it can be a feeder or a birdbath
• Captures slow-motion video

Cons

• No smartphone app or bird identification features
• Memory card storage is less convenient than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

This hybrid bird feeder camera is as tough as any trail camera. However, unlike most trail cameras, it can focus as close as 2 to 6 inches and offers a 100-degree field of view. This means you’ll get much better images of visiting birds than you would with a typical trail cam. The TX-165 takes standard AA batteries but has a working time of up to 6 months. You can leave it in a secure, remote location for a long time without worrying about the battery going flat.

The TX-165 also has a few features you won’t find on other bird feeder cameras. You can fill it with birdseed or fill the removable basin with water and turn it into a birdbath camera. It also takes impressive eight-megapixel images and full HD 1080p video. It’s also capable of 25 frames per second for slow-motion videos. 

Best for bird boxes: Hawk Eye HD Nature Cam

SEE IT

Specs

• AI: None
• App compatibility: N/A, no app available
• Resolution: 700 tvl (television lines)
• Battery: None (includes a 75-foot power cable)

Pros

• Compact, so you can hide it almost anywhere
• Night vision lets you capture clear images in poor light 
• Durable and temperature-tolerant to between 35°F and 105°F

Cons

• Only shoots video 
• Not waterproof
• Needs to be plugged into a power supply

Birds do a lot more than just eat birdseed, so at some point, you might want to step up to a birdhouse camera. Because the Hawk Eye Nature Cam isn’t built into a feeder, it’s much more flexible than most bird cams. Its small size means you can put it anywhere—on treetops, fence posts, or even in animal burrows (though please exercise caution when putting it down a snake hole). Or it can be wired discreetly into a bird box for a 24/7 look at growing bird families, from egg to fledgling. 

The Hawk Eye Nature Cam is meant for live-streaming to your television set. The video resolution is clear and sharp, with 700 tvl (television lines) and 10 infrared diodes. This lets you view clear video even in the darkened environment of a typical bird box. Note, however, that you will need an RCA to USB adapter if you have a modern TV. 

The Hawk Eye does have a few drawbacks. It has no battery, so you’ll have to mess with a long extension cord to get it set up. It also isn’t waterproof. If you want to attach it to an unsheltered location, you’ll have to build waterproof housing or limit your use to dry weather. Finally, you can connect the camera to your PC and use additional software to grab photos and video segments from the live stream, but it’s not designed to capture high-resolution stills.

Best for hummingbirds: BirdDock Hummingbird Feeder Camera

SEE IT

Specs

• AI: Yes, identifies species and alerts you when birds approach 
• App compatibility: Android and iOS
• Resolution: 2-megapixel photos, full HD 1080p video
• Battery: 6400 mAh rechargeable batteries provide 20 to 30 days of operating time 

Pros

• AI can recognize around 5,000 different species, including hummingbirds
• Rechargeable batteries provide 20 to 30 days of use
• Hummingbird attachment is removable

Con:

• Still photos are much lower resolution than those shot by similar feeders 
• The app is clunky and difficult to use

The BirdDock is a flexible bird feeder camera that isn’t limited to just capturing photos of seed-eaters. It also offers a removable hummingbird attachment featuring five flower-shaped feeding ports with 0.16-inch holes to keep bees and other insects out.  When you want to switch to photographing songbirds, you can remove the hummingbird feeder and fill the device with seeds. 

Like other AI feeders, the BirdDock will identify species and alert you when one is approaching the feeder. It has night vision, too, which could help you identify other critters that visit your feeder overnight. This bird feeder camera features a 160-degree field of view and can be used with or without an SD memory card. It provides an impressive battery life of up to 30 days. You can also purchase a separate solar panel to keep the device charged in sunny weather.

The BirdDock has two primary drawbacks: It captures still photos at a relatively low resolution of only two megapixels (though it does also capture full HD 1080p video). It also doesn’t have an especially user-friendly app. Some users complain that the bird identification feature isn’t accurate and that the app frequently disconnects from the camera.

Best for bird identification: Netvue Birdfy Pro

SEE IT

Specs

• AI: Yes, identifies more than 6,000 different species 
• App compatibility: Android and iOS
• Resolution: Full HD 1080p video
• Battery: 5000 mAh rechargeable batteries 

Pros

• Can identify more than 6,000 different species 
• Long battery life (the manufacturer claims up to six months of use)
• Extra features like squirrel recognition and color night vision

Cons

• The bird identification service costs extra
• Storing photos on the cloud requires a subscription

The Netvue Birdfy rivals the Bird Buddy with features like ease of use, durability, and photo quality. It has an impressive array of extra features like color night vision. The AI can recognize squirrels, and the built-in microphone lets you yell at them when they’re caught robbing the feeder. You can also upgrade your feeder with add-ons like a solar panel, hummingbird feeder, and perch extension.

The Birdfy has the same features as most other feeders, including automatic capture/motion detection and real-time notification. It takes clear video at close range, provides a 135-degree field of view, and even offers 8x magnification if you want to study the fine details.

Birdfy has an impressive database of 6,000 species, though reviewers note that it isn’t always accurate. When it does misidentify a bird, you have the option to submit a report via the app. This is evidence that Netvue is constantly working to improve its software. 

The primary drawback of the Netvue bird feeder camera is you may have to pay for various subscriptions depending on what features you want access to. For example, if you want to take advantage of the bird identification feature, you must pay for a subscription. Likewise, a subscription is required if you want to store photos on the Netvue Cloud for longer than 30 days. 

Best budget: WYZE Cam v3

SEE IT

Specs

• AI: No species identification
• App compatibility: Android and iOS
• Resolution: 1080p full HD video
• Battery: No battery

Pros

• Affordable
• Weatherproof 
• Compact for easy mounting

Cons

• Minimum focus distance is around 12 inches
• No battery; needs to be plugged into a power supply

Bird feeder cameras with all the bells and whistles can be expensive. A $200 feeder might be outside your budget, or you may not need all the features that expensive bird feeder cameras offer. The WYZE Cam v3 is essentially an outdoor security camera. You won’t be able to fill it with birdseed or attach a hummingbird accessory. But you can mount this sturdy little camera next to any commercial bird feeder or install it close to a high-traffic part of your backyard. 

The WYZE Cam v3 offers all the basic features you need in a bird cam. It’s weatherproof with an IP65 rating. It takes photos when it senses motion, and it has an app so you can see what’s happening outside in real-time. 

The WYZE Cam does have a few drawbacks. One of these is the focus distance. While most dedicated bird cams can focus on subjects as close as a few inches, the WYZE Cam isn’t designed for closeups. You’ll have to mount it at least a foot away from your feeder, meaning you won’t see a lot of detail in your photos. 

The WYZE Cam is also wired. It comes with a weatherproof six-foot USB cable, so you’ll have to install it close to your home. On the plus side, once installed, you won’t have to worry about changing or recharging the battery or losing your video stream on a cloudy day.

Things to consider before buying a bird feeder camera

If you love bird watching but don’t want to sit waiting with your binoculars, a bird feeder camera will allow you to capture photos and videos of birds even when you aren’t around.

A bird feeder camera is meant for permanent outdoor use. This means it needs features you probably don’t consider when shopping for other photography gear. Here are some of the most important things you’ll want to think about when shopping for a bird feeder camera.

Durability

Bird feeder cameras can be subject to some serious abuse. The sun’s UV rays and hot temperatures can degrade plastic casings over time. These devices must also withstand storms and sprinklers, remaining waterproof from season to season. Of course, they should also be tough enough to handle the beaks and claws of visiting critters—not just the birds they’re intended for but other potential visitors like squirrels and mice.

Image quality

The image quality of bird feeder cameras is dependent on a few things. Resolution is the first thing most think of, and indeed, it is important with these devices. If you want clear, sharp images, look for bird feeder cameras with higher resolution. These compact cameras won’t offer numbers you may be used to in smartphones or mirrorless cameras, though. Five to eight megapixels for stills and 1080p for video tend to be the highest available at the moment.  However, if you aren’t concerned with high levels of detail, you could save some money and opt for a device with a less impressive resolution. 

The second factor of image quality is close focusing distance. The majority of shots taken by a bird feeder camera will be up-close. As a result, look for a device capable of getting clear photos at a very short distance. Even as close as a few inches is ideal.  Finally, birds don’t tend to sit still for long. Because of this, the camera should be able to freeze action, even in low light conditions like early morning or cloudy days. 

WiFi connectivity

WiFi isn’t necessarily a critical feature, but it’s something to consider if you’re going to keep your feeder close to your house. Most people don’t want to trek outside daily to download photos or swap out a memory card. A WiFi connection will let you see what your camera captured at any time of day in any weather. Treating it like a smart-home device will save you from having to venture into the cold, heat, or rain unless you need to change the battery or add birdseed.

Pay attention to the range of the device, too. Shy birds won’t approach your device if it is too close to your home. If it’s too far away, you won’t be able to view your photos without exiting your home.

Mounting options

Each bird feeder camera will have somewhat different requirements for how you install them. Some require a pole, some can be mounted to a fence post, and others can be hung. Depending on where you want the feeder and what tools you have available for installation, some of these options may be better than others for your particular needs.

Battery life

Some bird feeder cameras take basic replaceable AA batteries; others rely on solar panels to power internal rechargeable batteries. Either way, you’ll want to pick a camera that isn’t power-hungry. A good battery will ensure you aren’t constantly changing batteries or missing photos because your camera goes dark on a cloudy day. 

Choosing a camera with motion detection is a good place to start. These cameras only activate when there’s something to take a photo of, which helps the battery last longer.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best bird feeder cameras

• Best overall: Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder
• Best trail camera: TECHNAXX Full HD Birdcam TX-165
• Best for bird boxes: Hawk Eye HD Nature Cam
• Best for hummingbirds: BirdDock Hummingbird Feeder Camera
• Best for bird identification: Netvue Birdfy Pro
• Best budget: WYZE Cam v3

Once limited to nature photographers with long telephoto lenses and lots of patience, bird feeder cameras have made bird photography nearly effortless and available to almost anyone. That doesn’t necessarily mean any camera will do, though. Thinking about what you want to get out of your investment is an important first step in choosing a feeder. If you’re hoping to get up-close, detailed shots, pay attention to the example shots provided by the manufacturer and uploaded by users. Consider how important good battery life is to you, and ask yourself if you really need a camera that will identify already familiar local birds.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best bird feeder cameras in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Bird watching seems like one of those rites of passage as you get older. You reach a certain age and boom—you suddenly like studying our avian amigos. I have, apparently, reached that age. But I don’t always have time to tromp through fields with binoculars to catch fleeting feathers. Luckily, bird watching these days is extremely easy thanks to the arrival of bird feeder cameras. These devices are built with compact, weather-resistant cameras that typically detect motion to snap photos and videos when a bird comes to feast. They provide close-up views of the snacking species that wouldn’t be possible any other way.

One of the more popular bird feeder cameras—Bird Buddy—was launched as a Kickstarter and has taken the world of bird feeder cameras by storm. It offers an attractive yet practical design and pairs with an easy- and fun-to-use app. The Bird Buddy camera allows you to capture high-quality photos and videos of birds that visit your feeder, and AI even identifies them for you. I’ve had one up for a few months to put it through its paces and have been impressed with the device.

SEE IT

Overview

• The Bird Buddy is a modern-looking bird feeder with a removable camera that automatically snaps photos and videos of birds that come to snack. 
• The easy-to-use app notifies you when you have a visitor and automatically identifies over 1,000 species of birds.
• The feeder holds 3.5 cups of birdseed and comes with a scoop.
• It comes with a few different ways to mount the feeder. Additional accessories are available for purchase separately.
• A Bird Buddy Pro membership unlocks certain app features and higher video quality and costs $2.50 monthly for an annual membership or $2.99 for a monthly plan. 
• The base-level Bird Buddy costs $239, but we suggest upgrading to the version with a solar roof for unlimited battery life for $299.

Pros

• Attractive, modern design
• Very little assembly required
• Lots of accessories available
• App is easy and fun to use
• AI features automatically identify birds and other critters
• Livestream is available
• Records quality, highly-detailed photos and videos
• Holds plenty of birdseed
• Camera is removable for easy washing
• Optional solar roof does away with charging the battery
• Bird Buddy provides frequent updates

Cons

• Requires a WiFi connection
• Water pools in the bird feeder, resulting in moldy birdseed
• Some features are locked behind a subscription paywall

Verdict

The Bird Buddy is one of the best bird feeder cameras available thanks to its excellent app usability, advanced AI, and high-quality images and videos. The sleek design is easy to install, clean, and fill, and the removable camera is a nice addition. The reliance on WiFi won’t work for everyone, but smart-home devices are increasingly common, and it allows for immediate access to your camera’s feed.

Bird Buddy setup

Setting up the Bird Buddy involves two parts: Connecting to a WiFi router along with the app and physically installing the bird feeder. The Bird Buddy doesn’t offer any onboard storage, so you’ll need access to a WiFi connection to use the camera and AI features. It uses an 802.11 b/g/n connection at 2.4 GHz plus Bluetooth for connection to the app. You’ll want to install the Bird Buddy app and pair your camera to the app before installing the bird feeder in your yard. 

I had substantial issues pairing my Bird Buddy to my WiFi and connecting it to the app, and had to call customer support for assistance. Luckily, the customer support team was incredibly helpful and patient in working through the troubleshooting, and we eventually got it all set up. It is worth noting that I had an early model, so Bird Buddy has likely solved some of those issues to make the pairing process smoother.

Physical installation is simple, depending on how and where you place your bird feeder. You can hang it, mount it to a one-inch pole with the included bottom mount, or purchase a separate wall mount for attaching to fences or walls. The camera slots right into the designated slot, and it’s easy to plug it into the solar roof (if you opt for that). 

Bird Buddy design & build quality

The Bird Buddy bird feeder features a sleek, modern design with smooth curves. Though looks are subjective, I think it looks much more polished than other bird feeder cameras. It’s available in blue or vibrant yellow. Bird Buddy says it features a “bird-friendly design,” though it doesn’t specify what exactly that means. The perch features a raised bird footprint pattern, providing some grip for talons. 

The birdseed compartment—which holds 3.8 cups—is enclosed by clear plastic on both sides, allowing you and the birds to see the seed level inside. A back door at the top opens to fill the bird feeder up, though it requires careful maneuvering to get the seed inside and not spill it everywhere since it is a rather small opening. The entire back also comes off for easier cleaning. 

Bird feeders and bird feeder cameras are, naturally, outdoor items. As a result, they need to be durable, rugged, and built to withstand the elements. The Bird Buddy ticks those marks nicely. It is made of new and recycled BPA-free plastic and feels solid and sturdy. I have had it up for a handful of months, and after a quick cleaning, it looks brand new. That’s even despite the intense Florida sun constantly beating down on it.

Water issues

My main frustration with the design of the Bird Buddy is regarding keeping rain out. There are holes in the bottom that drain water in the event of rain, but they are extremely tiny. Of course, that keeps the small seeds from falling out. Butt hose same seeds can clog the holes, preventing thorough draining. Also, the protective roof helps keep some rain out but doesn’t extend beyond the feeder very much. If there is any wind blowing the rain, it will end up in the feeder. As a result, I had issues with water saturating the birdseed and mold forming. 

Granted, this may be a function of where I reside in Florida—a state where strong thunderstorms are a near-daily occurrence in the summer and humidity levels are intense. I had to change the birdseed every week because of the molding. Birds do not like moldy seeds, so I don’t get as many visitors. That’s especially true if I don’t stay on top of cleaning things out. It also means that I’m dumping out seed regularly and cleaning the feeder frequently. Neither of these is ideal and keeps birds away for longer. It may be less of an issue with different birdseed mixes or locations, but it has severely limited the number of birds I attract. 

Camera module details

The Bird Buddy’s camera is housed inside a plastic case. It is weather-resistant, though Bird Buddy doesn’t provide an IP rating. It does say that it can operate in temperatures between -5°F and 120°F. As a result, it will work in most locations throughout the year. The camera module measures 5.1 x 2 x 1.5 inches and fits securely in the bird feeder with the help of a magnet in the back.

The camera takes five-megapixel photos and 720p HD live-streamed video. It is capable of 1080p video clips, though you’ll need to pay for a Bird Buddy Pro membership ($2.50 per month for an annual membership or $2.99 per month for a monthly plan). The 120-degree field of view is wide enough to capture birds hanging out on the side of the feeder. There’s also a built-in microphone for recording bird songs as well, which is a fun addition.

Motion detection

Bird Buddy also built a laser motion detector into the camera. This senses movement on the perch and triggers the camera to take photos or videos when a visitor is present (much like a wireless security camera). I don’t have my bird feeder in a location where I can easily keep watch to test how well the motion detection works. But every time I heard a bird making noise, I received a “postcard” (Bird Buddy’s way of telling you a bird was at your feeder), so it seemed just sensitive enough.

You can switch to Power Saver Mode in the app settings if you want fewer notifications or conserve battery. Or turn on Frenzy Mode to see anything and everything, though you’ll have to pay for a Pro membership. 

Power

For power, the Bird Buddy camera utilizes a 4000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Bird Buddy says it will last between five and 15 days. Of course, that depends on how many photos it takes, how much you stream live video, and the weather. When it needs a charge, it uses a USB-C cable. I was using the solar roof, which results in infinite battery life. If you want to save some money and don’t opt for the solar roof, the camera is fully removable. That means you won’t need to bring the entire bird feeder (along with any tiny creatures or germs) inside for charging.

Bird Buddy app

I’ve been very impressed with the Bird Buddy app during my testing. It is well-designed in design and usability, with many playful components. It is intuitive to use and easy to find what you need very quickly, even as you are getting used to it. It’s clean and minimal, without too many extra things going on.

The app uses AI to automatically identify over 1,000 species, which includes squirrels and rare birds. Unfortunately, I have only had Red-Winged Blackbirds at my feeder, so I haven’t been able to test how accurate the AI identification is beyond that single species. But it always got the Red-Winged Blackbird right, so there’s that. 

When a bird visits your feeder, the app notifies you with a “postcard.” These postcards are then saved to your gallery so you can pull them back up anytime. They can even show multiple photos or videos of the same bird if they stick around for a bit. Should there be photos in a set that aren’t worth saving, you can discard them to keep your gallery from getting too cluttered.

Your gallery is sorted by bird type. Tapping on each lets you open all photos and videos the camera has captured over time of that particular species. The page for each bird species will also provide information on that bird so that you can learn more. That includes personality type, what they eat, where they are typically found, how big they are, and what they sound like. For example, the Red-Winged Blackbird page tells me that they are brawlers, open lovebirds, and social butterflies who like to eat insects and seeds and are as big as a slice of pizza.

Community features

Beyond content from your feeder, you can see photos and videos from feeders worldwide in a few different ways. First, you can add some to your list of feeders and receive postcards from them like it is your own feeder. However, if you want to add more than one feeder for more than 72 hours, you’ll need a Pro membership.

If you don’t want to add a feeder, you can still scroll through photos and videos from the community. It’s like social media just for bird content. Birdbuddy TV is a video feed of publicly shared videos from Bird Buddy users. Or you can scroll through photos from the community, applauding people’s results. You can even help identify species by tapping the Wingbuddy link at the top of the Community page. 

Image & video quality

A bird feeder camera doesn’t do much good if the photos aren’t clear enough so you can actually see your avian visitors. The five-megapixel resolution may not seem very impressive, especially compared to smartphones and dedicated cameras. While you won’t be able to print these images to poster size by any means, the camera does offer plenty of quality for viewing on your phone. 

The images are clear and sharp, especially when the bird hangs out on the perch. The camera can’t focus much closer than that, though. My main visitor liked to sit right in the birdseed, so it was frequently out of focus, but even still, I could see good amounts of detail with vibrant colors. The auto exposure overall does great, even in extremely high-contrast lighting situations. There were times that the bird was blurry from moving during the exposure, but that wasn’t the norm. 

The Bird Buddy video quality is also really good. The footage is clear and well-exposed. If you want higher-quality video, you can upgrade to a Bird Buddy Pro membership, though I have not tested it, so I can’t comment on how much better that video looks. 

So, who should buy the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder? 

Bird feeder cameras are becoming more and more popular, with new options seeming to pop up regularly. Spending $299 (for the solar roof version) may seem pricey for a bird feeder camera. But the Bird Buddy is priced similarly to other devices, including its closest competitor, the Netvue Birdfy Pro. So, what makes the Bird Buddy stand out? 

The Bird Buddy includes a durable yet attractive build, an integrated solar panel for infinite battery life, multiple mounting options, and an easy-to-clean design with a removable camera, which gives it the edge for most users. It’s also remarkably easy to install, with essentially no assembly beyond popping the camera into the feeder. Add to that the easy-to-use and fun app with minimal features behind a paywall, and it takes a clear lead. It’s a connected device that makes you feel a bit more connected with the natural world. If you are interested in keeping an eye on the bird species in your area, it’s hard to beat Bird Buddy. 

The post Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder review: A camera that’s not just for the birds appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

The Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription is only $79.97 (reg. $747) for 10TB and $89.97 (reg. $1,494) for 20TB through Oct. 23 only. 

Boasting its ability to operate rapidly, Prism Drive offers a lifetime subscription to help you declutter your iPhone, tablet, or laptop by consolidating all your files in a single location. Featuring 10TB or 20TB of cloud storage, limitless shared traffic, and top-notch zero-knowledge encryption, Prism Drive provides the flexibility to upload various file types, including MP4, JPEG, PPT, and more. Plus, you’ll be saving over $600!

Thanks to its user-friendly interface, navigating through Prism Drive is a breeze. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a casual user, the platform’s intuitive design makes it easy to upload, organize, and retrieve your files from any web browser, iOS device, or Android device—all without hassle. High-speed transfers and secured backup space give you plenty of leeway to easily manage and share files with team members, friends, and family. Additionally, a handy 30-day retrieval feature for deleted items allows you to recover files that were unintentionally deleted or documents you opt to retain after reconsideration.

Its essential security system is also compliant with privacy laws. It offers the ultimate reassurance regarding safety, scalability, and integration—whether stored, in transit, or in use. Best yet, everything is in one secure location. The lifetime subscription comes with state-of-the-art AES 256-bit and HTTPS encryption protocols, ensuring your files are shielded from unauthorized access. Rest easy knowing that your digital footprint is safeguarded against potential threats.

One verified customer states that Prism Drive provides “Great value[,] and tech support was superb. I’d recommend them highly for your cloud needs.”

Purchase the Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (10TB) for only $79.97 (reg. $747), or the  Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (20TB) for only $89.97 (reg. $1,494) with no coupon code required. This mega best-of-web pricing deal is only available until Oct. 23 at 11:59 p.m. PST. 

Prices subject to change.

The post These lifetime cloud storage solutions are priced dropped and under $90 through Oct. 23 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Walker Edison Wren Classic TV Stand		SEE IT	This sturdy and stylish option has a traditional design and comes in multiple finish options
Best with mount		Walker Edison Wren Classic 4 Cubby TV Stand		SEE IT	Elevate your TV without the need to drill into the wall.
Best fireplace		Ameriwood Home Lumina Fireplace		SEE IT	A realistic fire effect to add a cozy element to your home.

Many people choose to mount their TV on the wall, which is a fine solution with some drawbacks that can be solved using a TV stand. With a wall mount, it can be hard to get behind the panel to plug things in. And not everyone can just go drilling into the wall to hang a mount and a heavy TV, especially if they’re renting. Luckily, TV stands provide an elegant solution. These crucial bits of living room furniture hold your TV and all the important stuff that goes with it, from streaming boxes to gaming consoles. You need to choose the correct TV stand for your setup, though. Picking the right size, material, storage solution, and style can all have a serious impact on your ability to enjoy the best seats in your house. This guide will help walk you through the process of choosing from the best TV stands for your space, whether you’re hoarding set-top boxes or you’re a die-hard minimalist. 

• Best overall: Walker Edison Wren Classic TV Stand
• Best for gamers: Bestier 70-inch Entertainment Center
• Best with mount: Walker Edison Wren Classic 4 Cubby TV Stand
• Best fireplace: Ameriwood Home Lumina Fireplace
• Best for 75-inch TV (and bigger): Walker Edison Englewood Mid Century Modern 2-Door
• Best easel-style: VIVO Artistic Easel
• Best solid wood: Simplihome Redmond
• Best value: Zinus Modern Studio Collection TV Media Stand

How we chose the best TV stands

We surveyed dozens of different models looking for TV stands that offered the right mix of value, style, and durability. This list represents a wide swath of looks, materials, and sizes to try and accommodate most spaces. We have collectively spent hundreds of hours putting together flat-pack furniture, so ease of assembly is important as well. If it can’t go together with our relationships, thumbs, and mental well-being intact, it can’t go on the list.

The best TV stands: Reviews & Recommendations

TVs have gotten absolutely massive in recent years, with 55- and 65-inch models starting to feel slightly small compared to the massive 75- and even 85-inch behemoths out there on store shelves. Supporting those pricy panels is crucial. Here are our picks if you’re looking for a new home for that Samsung 8K TV (and maybe a matching soundbar):

Best overall: Walker Edison Wren Classic TV Stand

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Walker Edison’s Wren Classic TV stand features adjustable shelves and comes in multiple sizes and a wide range of finishes. 

Specs

• TV Capacity: Up to 65 inches
• Material: MDF
• Width: 58 inches
• Height: 24

Pros

• Wide finish selection
• Multiple sizes available
• Universally appealing aesthetic
• Includes cord management ports on each shelf

Cons

• No enclosed storage

The Walker Edison Wren Classic TV Stand has an appealingly simple design and can accommodate TVs as large as 65 inches. It’s made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), an engineered wood that offers excellent stability at a lower price point than traditional hardwoods. The durable laminate finish comes in a variety of styles to suit varying aesthetics, including Rustic Oak, Dark Walnut, Whitewash, and Reclaimed Barnwood.

Two adjustable shelves allow for customization based on your electronics and accessories, and each features cord management ports so your wires stay organized and out of sight. The top surface has a maximum weight capacity of 150 pounds, while each shelf can support an additional 30 pounds.

The stand’s total dimensions are 23.38 by 15.75 by 58 inches. There’s also a larger size of this model available with an 80-inch width to accommodate larger TVs. Assembly is required, and instructions are provided by the manufacturer.

Best for gamers: Bestier 70-inch Entertainment Center

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: There’s plenty of room for lots of streaming boxes and gaming consoles, but the built-in RGB LED lighting helps set the gaming mood. 

Specs 

• TV size: Up to 70 inches
• Material: Particle and metal
• Width: 63 inches
• Height: 22 inches

Pros

• Accepts large TVs
• Lots of storage space
• Built-in RGB lighting
• Tempered glass shelves

Cons 

• Pressboard construction
• No front doors to conceal gear when not in use

You can’t have a piece of gaming-specific gear without adding RGB lighting. That maxim stays true with this 63-inch wide TV stand. It has LED strips inside the cabinet that can show off seven different colors and vary between 22 different display patterns. So, if you’re a streamer and you’re looking to create the perfect ambiance for your flagship flatscreen, this is a great way to do it without having to DIY your own solution. The lights even come with their own remote to control the display. 

As for the TV stand itself, it’s made of sturdy pressboard, but the shelves are made of tempered glass to allow the light to travel through them. There are five individual compartments, one vertically oriented space in the middle with two stacked horizontal shelves on each size. There are no doors to close in front of all your devices, so you can show them off even when you’re not playing. 

Cord holes in the back of the unit allow you to easily snake power cables through without creating a cluttered look. The carbon cellulose surfaces are smooth to the touch and relatively durable in case you spill a drink on it in the heat of the moment. 

Best with mount: Walker Edison Wren Classic 4 Cubby TV Stand

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Our pick for the best TV stand with a mount, an integrated stand lifts to a 58-inch TV above the surface to make room for a soundbar or elaborate action figure arrangements.

Specs 

• TV size: Up to 60 inches
• Width: 58 inches
• Height: 24 inches
• Material: MDF

Pros

• Attractive composite surface
• Fits big TVs
• Integrated mount
• Spacious shelves

Cons 

• No doors on the front
• Limited finish options

If you want the look of a wall-mounted TV without having to drill into your drywall or plaster, this is the TV stand you’re looking for. It’s 58 inches wide, so you can sit a TV on top of the unit as normal if you want to. It has a capacity of up to 150 pounds. Add the integrated mount, however, and the TV can sit above the surface and away from the wall. That leaves room beneath the TV to accommodate extra set-top boxes, speakers, or a soundbar. 

That extra room up top augments an already spacious interior. There are two compartments, each with its own adjustable shelf, so they’re customizable depending on your setup. Each compartment has a cable port in the back, so it’s simple to hide wires out of the way. It’s not solid wood, but it is built to last, and it’s simple to tether to the wall so it doesn’t tip over.

Best fireplace: Ameriwood Home Lumina Fireplace

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The included 23-inch wide fireplace display augments built-in LED lighting so you can set any mood you want, from romantic to gamer circus.

Specs 

• TV size: Up to 70 inches
• Material: MDF, particle board
• Width: 64.75 inches
• Height: 24.875 inches

Pros 

• Holds large TVs
• Built-in fireplace display (not real fire)
• Heats rooms up to 400 square feet
• LED lighting
• Each compartment has three shelves

Cons 

• Limited storage space
• Not a real fireplace

Fireplaces are another luxury that not every home can accommodate. An easy pick for the best fireplace TV stand, this sturdy TV stand has a 23-inch fireplace display that creates a realistic fire effect while an electric heater pumps warmth out into a room up to 400 square feet. It can’t replace a real fireplace, but it also won’t involve major home renovations, regular cleanings, or the threat of melting that PS5 you waited so long to get. If you just want the fire or heat effects, they’re both available independently, too. 

The stand itself can hold up to a massive 70-inch TV. The storage underneath offers three shelves on each side. Because the fireplace display takes up space, you don’t have as much room in the storage compartments as you would on other models, so make sure you’re cool with that trade-off before taking the leap. 

Best for 75-inch TVs: Walker Edison Englewood Mid Century Modern 2-Door

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The attractive design masks the fact that it’s 70 inches wide and plenty big enough to support TVs all the way up to 80 inches. 

Specs 

• TV size: Up to 80 inches
• Materials: MDF
• Width: 70 inches
• Height: 15 inches

Pros

• Attractive design
• Sturdy construction
• Doors to obscure storage when not in use
• Large capacity

Cons 

• Short
• Legs allow for stuff to roll underneath

This extra-long TV stand looks like something Don Draper might put in his apartment. It has a slack, minimal design with doors on each of the two side cabinets to obscure your devices. The center shelf is exposed, so you can keep your best-looking consoles or a basket in there if you want to get fancy about it.  

Despite its relatively skinny (and handsome) legs, it can support up to 150 pounds. Combined with its length, that makes this a solid option for massive TVs. It stands 24 inches tall, too, which is important if you’re watching a massive set. Get too tall of a TV stand and you’ll be looking up to see the whole screen, which is annoying. 

There are four different color options, so you can choose exactly which one matches your home vibe. 

Best easel-style: VIVO Artistic Easel

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The VIVO Artistic Easel TV stand simply consists of a slim, tripod-style mount that is both subtle and sturdy.

Specs

• TV Capacity: Up to 65 inches
• Material: Wood, steel
• Width: N/A
• Top surface weight capacity: 77 pounds

Pros

• Swivels 360 degrees
• Adjustable height

Cons

• Limited weight capacity

Make your flatscreen look like a work of art with this VIVO Artistic Easel stand. It’s designed to look like an artist’s easel and elevates your TV without taking up much floor space or causing visual clutter. Because of its small footprint, it’s a perfect choice for those with small living rooms, as it can easily be tucked in a corner. The height is adjustable, and the stand swivels 360 degrees so you can get the perfect viewing angle no matter where you’re sitting.

It’s best suited for TVs ranging from 45 to 65 inches and can support a maximum weight of 77 pounds. There’s even a cable management system in the legs, meaning your cords and wires will be neatly tucked out of view. The stand is made from a combination of steel and solid wood and comes in either a light or dark finish.

Best solid wood: Simplihome Redmond

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With four cabinets, two drawers, and a pair of shelves, this wood TV stand gives off a retro entertainment center vibe that we love.

Specs 

• TV Capacity: Up to 80 inches
• Material: Pine with plywood
• Width: 72 inches
• Height: 26 inches

Pros 

• Lots of storage
• Doors to hide items when not in use
• Very sturdy
• Seven color options

Cons

• Heavy
• Design may feel dated to some

Entertainment centers once ruled the land. Your living room wasn’t complete until it was equipped with a massive wooden piece of furniture that housed your TV and everything that went with it. This 72-inch TV stand evokes that era. The storage areas have doors to hide what’s inside. There are four cabinets with adjustable shelves, as well as a pair of drawers in the middle. They all have doors with recessed panels for an old-school look. There are also two uncovered shelves directly underneath the top surface. 

There are seven colors to choose from when you’re picking your finish, all of which involve stained pine wood material. The hardware is made of handsome brass, and the doors shut magnetically, so they don’t randomly kick open when you don’t want them to. 

Best budget: Zinus Modern Studio Collection TV Media Stand

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This minimalist TV stand from Zinus comes at an affordable price but has a 100-pound weight capacity due to its sturdy steel frame.

Specs

• TV Capacity: 32 inches
• Material: Steel frame
• Width: 40 inches
• Height: 18 inches

Pros

• High weight capacity
• Sleek, modern design
• Excellent value

Cons

• Minimal storage
• Not suitable for large TVs

While some households require a large media console with plenty of storage, others simply need a flat surface for their TV to fit on. This Zinus Modern Studio Collection TV Media Stand is streamlined and perfect for small spaces because of its compact design. Despite its sleek aesthetic, there is an additional shelf for storage. While the design looks simple, the stand features sturdy steel framing that provides a 100-pound weight capacity.

The stand’s total dimensions are 40 by 17 by 18 inches, and assembly is easy; all the necessary tools come in the package. Choose from two colors: Red Mahogany and Espresso. This stand’s design provides a minimalist look for modern homes and due to its open shelving, has an airy feel. There’s also an option to purchase a matching side table for a more cohesive look in your living room.

Things to consider before buying the best TV stands

You must know your home and your TV before pulling the rip cord and buying a stand. Here are some things to consider:

Materials

Most of the easily shippable stuff you’ll find online is made of material like MDF or particleboard. These materials sometimes get a bad name because they aren’t as durable as real wood, which is true in a way but not in others. They typically include laminate exteriors, which are good at resisting marks and damage from liquid. 

You can, of course, go with various types of wood, but it comes with its own issues, like a need to be polished and a predilection for dings. 

Dimensions

It should go without saying, but your TV stand needs to actually fit in your house and where it’s best to place your TV. Get a good, solid measurement before you pull the trigger so you know for sure that your new furniture has a snug place to go. If your TV is huge, you want something that’s wide enough for the feet to sit comfortably on the surface, but you also don’t want it too tall to throw the center of the screen above your eyeline when you’re sitting on the couch. 

Storage type

Modern gaming consoles are extremely chunky, so if you want to park that PS5 or Xbox Series X inside your new TV stand, ensure it will fit and the shelves can handle its weight. You’ll also want to decide whether or not you want doors in front of your cabinets to hide your shameful mess of game cases and controller charging cables when you’re not playing or watching content. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best TV stands

• Best overall: Walker Edison Wren Classic TV Stand
• Best for gamers: Bestier 70-inch Entertainment Center
• Best with mount: Walker Edison Wren Classic 4 Cubby TV Stand
• Best fireplace: Ameriwood Home Lumina Fireplace
• Best for 75-inch TV (and bigger): Walker Edison Englewood Mid Century Modern 2-Door
• Best easel-style: VIVO Artistic Easel
• Best solid wood: Simplihome Redmond
• Best value: Zinus Modern Studio Collection TV Media Stand

You have a nice place to sit when you watch content; that amazing new OLED TV deserves the same. It may not seem like an important decision, but the TV stand can set the tone for your entire living room. It stores your important stuff, hides your wires, and holds up our good pal, the TV. By taking a few minutes to really consider your options, you can make an informed decision and get the best TV stand for your home. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best TV stands in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ		SEE IT	A solid build and specs, paired with smartphone-guided sky recognition technology, makes this telescope perfect for starry-eyed explorers.
Best for viewing planets		Sky-Watcher Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope		SEE IT	This telescope punches above its weight class in size and power, making it an ideal scope for checking out neighboring orbs.
Best for kids		Orion Observer II 60mm AZ Refractor Telescope Starter Kit		SEE IT	The entire package is designed to inspire kids during the window where they stare curiously out of the windows.

Telescopes under $500 can provide a passport to the universe without emptying your wallet. In their basic function, telescopes are our connection to the stars. For millennia, humankind has gazed skyward with wonder into the infinite reaches of outer space. And as humans are a curious bunch, our ancestors devised patterns in the movements of celestial bodies, gave them names, and built stories around them. The ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and Greeks indulged in star worship. But you don’t have to follow those lines to geek out over the vastness of the night sky. It’s just so cool. Fortunately, whatever your motivation for getting under the stars, there is an affordable option for you on our list of the best telescopes under $500.

• Best overall: Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ
• Best for viewing planets: Sky-Watcher Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
• Best for astrophotography: William Optics Guide Star 61
• Best for kids: Orion Observer II 60mm AZ Refractor Telescope Starter Kit
• Best budget: Popular Science by Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Telescope

How we chose the best telescopes under $500

The under-$500 telescope market is crowded with worthy brands and models, so we looked at offerings in that price range from several well-known manufacturers in the space. After narrowing our focus based on personal experience, peer suggestions, critical reviews, and user impressions, we considered aperture, focal length, magnification, build quality, and value to select these five models.

The best telescopes under $500: Reviews & Recommendations

To get the best views of the stars, planets, and other phenomena of outer space, not just any old telescope will get the job done. There are levels of quality and a wide range of price points and features to sort through before you can be sure you’re making the right purchase for what you want out of your telescope, whether it’s multi-thousands, one of the best telescopes for under $1,000, or one of our top picks under $500.

Best overall: Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Solid build and specs, paired with the remarkable StarSense Explorer app, make this telescope a perfect introduction to celestial observation.

Specs

• Focal length: 650mm
• Aperture: 130mm, f/5
• Magnification: 65x, 26x

Pros

• App aids in finding stars
• Easy to operate
• Steady altazimuth mount

Cons

• Eyepieces are both low power

Newbies to astronomy today can have a decidedly different experience than beginners who started stargazing before smartphones were a thing. Instead of carting out maps of the night sky to find constellations, the StarSense Explorer series from Celestron, including the DX 130AZ refractor, makes ample use of your device to bring you closer to the stars. 

With your smartphone resting in the telescope’s built-in dock, the StarSense Explorer app will find your location using the device’s GPS and serve up a detailed list of celestial objects viewable in real time. Looking for the Pleiades cluster? This app will tell you how far away it is from you and then lead you there with on-screen navigation. The app also includes descriptions of those objects, tips for observing them, and other useful info. 

The StarSense Explorer ships with an altazimuth mount equipped with slow-moving fine-tuning controls for both axes so you can find your target smoothly. And for those times you want to explore the night sky without tethering a smartphone, the scope’s red dot finder will help you zero in on your targets. The two eyepieces, measuring 25mm and 10mm, are powerful enough to snag stellar views of the planets but not quite enough to see the details a high-powered eyepiece would deliver.

Best for viewing planets: Sky-Watcher Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This telescope punches above its weight class in size and power, making it an ideal scope for viewing planets.

Specs

• Focal length: 1300mm
• Aperture: 102mm, f/12.7
• Magnification: 130x, 52x

Pros

• Great for viewing planets and galaxies
• Sharp focus and contrast
• Powerful

Cons

• Not ideal for deep-space viewing

Let’s be real—most consumers in the market for a moderately priced telescope are in it to gain spectacular views of the planets and galaxies, but probably not much else. And it’s easy to see why. Nothing makes celestial bodies come alive like viewing them in real time, in all their colorful glory.

If that sounds like you, allow us to direct you to the Sky-Watcher Skymax 102, a refracting telescope specializing in crisp views of objects like planets and galaxies with ample contrast to make them pop against the dark night sky. The Skymax 102 is based on a Maksutov-Cassegrains design that uses both mirrors and lenses, resulting in a heavy-hitting scope in a very compact and portable unit. A generous 102mm aperture pulls in plenty of light to illuminate the details in objects, and the 1300mm focal length results in intense magnification.

Two included wide-angle eyepieces measuring 25mm and 10mm deliver 130x and 52x magnification, respectively. The package also includes a red-dot finder, V-rail for mounting, 1.25-inch diagonal viewing piece, and a case for transport and storage. Look no further if you’re looking for pure colors across a perfectly flat field in a take-anywhere form factor.

Best for astrophotography: William Optics GuideStar 61 

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Top-notch specs and an enviable lens setup make this telescope ideal for astrophotography.

Specs

• Focal length: 360mm
• Aperture: f/5.9
• Magnification: 7x (with 2-inch eyepiece)

Pros

• Well-appointed specs
• Sturdy, durable construction
• Carrying case included

Cons

• Flattener is an extra purchase

Sometimes you want to share more than descriptions of what you see in the night sky, and that’s where this guidescope comes in, helping you to focus on the best full-frame image. You can go as deep into the details (not to mention debt) as your line of credit will allow in your quest to capture the most impressive images of space. Luckily, though, this is a worthy option at a reasonable price. 

The Williams Optics Guide Star 61 telescope is a refracting-type scope with a 360mm focal length, f/5.9 aperture, and 61mm diameter well-suited to capturing sharp images of planets, moon, and bright deep-sky objects. The GS61 shares many specs with the now-discontinued Zenith Star 61, including focal length, aperture, and diameter, as well as the FPL53 ED doublet lens for high-contrast images.

The scope’s optical tube is about 13 inches long and weighs just 3 lbs.—great for traveling with the included carrying case—with a draw-tube (push-pull) focuser for coarse focusing and a rotating lens assembly for fine focus. Attaching a DSLR camera to the Guide Star 61 is a fairly easy job, but note that the flattener for making that connection is a separate purchase.

Best for kids: Orion Observer II 60mm AZ Refractor Telescope Starter Kit

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The entire package is designed to get kids exploring space right out of the box.

Specs

• Focal length: 700mm
• Aperture: 60mm, f/11.7
• Magnification: 70x, 28x

Pros

• Capable of detailed views of moon and planets
• Lightweight construction
• Lots of handy accessories

Cons

• Not enough optical power to reach deep space

Parents have a limited window of time to recognize and develop their kids’ interests, so kindle a fascination with the stars through a star projector and then fan it with a telescope. That’s what makes the Orion Observer II such a great buy. Seeing the craters on the moon or the rings of Saturn for the first time can affirm your kids’ curiosity about space and expand their concept of the universe—and they can get those goosebumps while learning through this altazimuth refractor telescope.

The Orion Observer II is built to impressive specifications, with a 700mm focal length that provides 71x magnification for viewing the vivid details of planets in our solar system. True glass lenses (not plastic) are a bonus at this price point, and combined with either included Kellner eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), the telescope delivers crisp views of some of space’s most dazzling objects. 

Kids and parents can locate celestial objects with the included red-dot finder. The kit also includes MoonMap 260, a fold-out map that directs viewers to 260 lunar features, such as craters, valleys, ancient lava flows, mountain ranges, and every U.S. and Soviet lunar mission landing site. An included copy of Exploring the Cosmos: An Introduction to the Night Sky gives a solid background before they go stargazing. And with its aluminum tube and tripod, the entire rig is very portable, even for young ones, with a total weight of 4.3 pounds. Find more options for the best telescopes for kids here. (And/or go the opposite direction with a microscope for kids—a love of science begets more science.)

Best budget: Popular Science by Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Telescope

SEE IT

EDITOR’S NOTE: Popular Science has teamed up with Celestron on a line of products. The decision to include this model in our recommendations was made by our reviewer independently of that relationship, but we do earn a commission on its sales—all of which helps power Popular Science.

Why it made the cut: With its feature set, portability, and nice price point, this scope is ready for some serious stargazing without a serious investment.

Specs

• Focal length: 400mm
• Aperture: 70mm, f/5.7
• Magnification: 168x

Pros

• Bluetooth remote shutter release
• Ships with two eyepieces
• Pack included

Cons

• Lacks optical power for deep space

Getting out of town, whether camping in the wilderness or driving in the countryside, is one of the attractions of stargazing. Out in the great wide open, far away from streetlights, the stars explode even to the naked eye. Add a handy telescope like the Popular Science Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Telescope—our pick for the best portable telescope under $500—and you’ll see much farther into space. The fact that it’s as affordable as it is moveable just adds to the value.

The Popular Science Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Telescope is a well-equipped refractor telescope built for backpacking and adventuring but without skimping on cool gadgets. Whether you’re gazing at celestial or terrestrial objects, the smartphone adapter will aid you in capturing images with your personal device, with an included Bluetooth remote shutter release.

Designed with portability and weight in mind, the entire package fits into an included pack with a total of 3.3 pounds—that includes the telescope, tripod stand, 20mm and 10mm eyepieces, 3x Barlow lens, and more. Download Celestron’s Starry Night software to help you get the most from your astronomy experience. 

Here are some other options from the Celestron and Popular Science collaboration:

• Popular Science StarSense Explorer DX 100AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope
• Popular Science AstroMaster 80mm – Portable Refractor Telescope
• Popular Science StarSense Explorer DX 5” Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope 
• Popular Science by Celestron Outland X 12x50mm Monocular with Tripod, Smartphone Adapter, and Bluetooth remote

What to consider when buying the best telescopes under $500

Optics

There are three types of optics available on consumer telescopes, and they will help you achieve three different goals. Refractor telescopes use a series of glass lenses to bring celestial bodies like the moon and near planets into focus easily. Reflector telescopes—also known as Newtonian scopes for their inventor, Sir Isaac Newton—swap lenses for mirrors and allow stargazers to see deeper into space. Versatile compound telescopes combine these two methods in a smaller, more portable form factor, with results that land right in the middle of the pack. 

Aperture

Photographers will recognize this: The aperture controls the amount of light entering the telescope, like on a manual camera. Aperture is the diameter of the lens or the primary mirror, so a telescope with a large aperture draws more light than a small aperture, resulting in views into deeper space. F-ratio is the spec to watch here. Low f-ratios, such as f/4 or f/5, are usually best for wide-field observation and photography, while high f-ratios like f/15 can make deep-space nebulae and other bodies easier to see and capture. Midpoint f-ratios can get the job done for both.

Mounts

All the lens and mirror power in the world won’t mean much if you attach your telescope to a subpar mount. In general, the more lightweight and portable the tripod mount, the more movement you’ll likely get while gazing or photographing the stars. Investing in a stable mount will improve the viewing experience. The two common mount types are alt-az (altitude-azimuth) and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts operate in the same way as a camera tripod, allowing you to adjust both axes (left-right, up-down), while equatorial mounts also tilt to make it easier to follow celestial objects.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best telescopes under $500

• Best overall: Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ
• Best for viewing planets: Sky-Watcher Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
• Best for astrophotography: William Optics Guide Star 61
• Best for kids: Orion Observer II 60mm AZ Refractor Telescope Starter Kit
• Best budget: Popular Science by Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Telescope

Although this group of sub-$500 scopes is fairly diverse, the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ stands out in our best telescopes under $500 as the best place to start your interstellar journey due to its versatility and sky recognition app, which make for a fun evening of guided tours through the star patterns, no experience necessary. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best telescopes under $500 in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE		SEE IT	Toro’s SnowMaster 824 QXE includes the power and features to clear out the roughest snowfall.
Best single-stage		Toro Power Clear 721		SEE IT	The Power Clear 721 can easily blast through fresh snow and throw it up to 35 feet.
Best two-stage		Troy-Bilt Storm 2420		SEE IT	The two-stage design, self-propelled drive, and 24-inch clearing width make the Storm 2420 a monster snow-clearing machine.

Snow blowers can make quick work of clearing snowy walkways and long driveways after a major snowstorm. They make snow removal easier for everyone but can be especially helpful for older homeowners struggling with shoveling. Using one takes less time, strength, and stamina than using a shovel, which can be especially risky for anyone with joint and/or back problems. The best snow blowers for elderly people will ensure you can safely clear snow accumulation to access your car and walkways quickly.

• Best overall: Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE
• Best budget: Greenworks 13 Amp 20-inch Corded Snow Thrower
• Best single-stage: Toro Power Clear 721 
• Best two-stage: Troy-Bilt Storm 2420
• Best electric: Ryobi Brushless 18-inch Single-Stage Snow Blower
• Best gas-powered: Toro Power Max HD 828

How we chose the best snow blowers for elderly people

I’ve been writing about gear and gadgets for over a decade for sites like TechnoBuffalo, CNN Underscored, and Popular Science. During that time, I’ve covered everything from the best gallon water bottles to the best smoke detectors.

To determine how to select snow blowers for elderly people specifically, we contacted medical experts, including Dr. Claire Ankuda, assistant professor of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai hospital in New York, to understand what qualities, if any, might make a snowblower better or worse for older people. We found that snowblowers are easier to use than shovels when clearing large areas.

From there, we drew on our past research when recommending the best snow blowers and best snow shovels to find the most reliable options from the best brands. We also drew on recent reviews from experts and user impressions to ensure our recommendations are up to date before the coming winter season.

The best snow blowers for elderly people: Reviews & Recommendations

It can be hard to balance picking a snow blower that’s powerful enough to handle any situation and one that will actually make clearing snow safer and easier. There are a lot of variables at play, from the size of your property to the amount of snowfall you get annually, so you’ll have to use your best judgment when choosing what works best for you. That said, we think our picks for the best snow blowers for elderly people will make it easier to clear snow no matter what.

Best overall: Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: Toro’s SnowMaster 824 QXE includes the power and features to clear out the roughest snowfall.

Specs

• Dimensions: 55.4 x 25.4 x 43 inches (DWH)
• Weight: 131 pounds
• Type: Single-stage
• Clearing width: 24 inches
• Power source: Gas

Pros

• Wide clearing width
• Comparable to some two-stage models
• Personal Pace system

Cons

• Expensive

Toro’s SnowMaster 824 QXE is a single-stage gas-powered snow blower that features a clearing width of 24 inches and a push-to-start button. We like this model because of its “Personal Pace” system, which matches your walking speed with the speed of the blower’s wheels. It sounds unnecessary, but it allows you to set the tempo of your snow blowing and keep your footing. Personal Pace also makes it easier to stop the snow blower instantly. 

The SnowMaster 824 QXE is also relatively light at 131 pounds, making it easy to maneuver, and features a 252 cc engine for plenty of power. Meanwhile, Toro’s snow blower offers an adjustable chute and a unique auger design capable of throwing snow up to 40 feet.

Best budget: Greenworks 13 Amp 20-inch Corded Snow Thrower

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: This snow thrower from Greenworks will keep your walk clear and won’t cost a fortune.

Specs

• Dimensions: 31 x 21.6 x 37 inches (DWH)
• Weight: 30 Pounds
• Type: Single-stage
• Width: 20 inches
• Power source: Corded electric

Pros

• Corded electric design means unlimited runtime
• Adjustable chute
• Easy push-button start

Cons

• Cord could get in the way

Snow blowers can be expensive, especially if you need something heavy-duty. If you live somewhere that only gets light snowfall, the GreenWorks 13 Amp is a more affordable snow blower with a clearing width of 20 inches that can throw snow up to 20 feet. For small walkways and driveways, it’s enough to keep things clear. It also includes a push-button start, an adjustable chute, and LED lights. Best of all, it’s only 32 pounds, so it’s very easy to move around. At around $200, it’s a solid deal.

Best single-stage: Toro Power Clear 721

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Power Clear 721 can easily blast through fresh snow and throw it up to 35 feet.

Specs

• Dimensions: 48 x 21 x 42 inches (DWH)
• Weight: 84 pounds
• Type: Single-stage
• Clearing width: 21 inches
• Power source: Gas

Pros

• Simple, effective design
• Push-button start
• Adjustable chute

Cons

• Only works well on pavement

Like our best overall pick, the Power Clear 721 gets high marks because of Toro’s Personal Pace system, an adjustable chute, and an electric start button. The gas-powered engine is a less powerful 212cc, but it also weighs slightly less at 125 pounds. Even with a little less power, it can still easily clear wet, heavy snow and toss it up to 40 feet. 

Best two-stage: Troy-Bilt Storm 2420

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The two-stage design, self-propelled drive, and 24-inch clearing width make the Storm 2420 a monster snow-clearing machine.

Specs

• Dimensions: 49 x 25 x 33 inches (DWH)
• Weight: 191 pounds
• Type: Two-stage
• Clearing width: 24 inches
• Power source: Gas

Pros

• More powerful two-stage design
• Self-propelled drive
• Larger tires

Cons

• Big and heavy

The Troy-Bilt Storm 2420 combines a 12-inch serrated steel auger and a 12-inch impeller, enabling it to plow through deep, heavy snowfall. It has a clearing width of 24 inches, so users should be able to clear a driveway quickly. The machine also comes equipped with 13- by 4-inch X-Trac tires, giving it better traction and mobility over heavier, icier snow. Plus, of course, it has some of our favorite quality-of-life features, including an adjustable chute and an electric start button.

Best electric: Ryobi Brushless 18-inch Single-Stage Snow Blower

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The cordless design, compact size, and additional features make the Ryobi Brushless Whisper an electrifying option. 

Specs

• Dimensions: 51.5 x 18.5 x 38.25 inches (DWH)
• Weight: 46 pounds
• Type: Single-stage
• Clearing width: 18 inches
• Power source: Battery

Pros

• Cordless operation
• Folds up for compact storage
• Adjustable chute

Cons

• Narrower clearing width

Electric snow blowers aren’t as powerful as gas-powered models, but they require much less maintenance and run quietly. (It also means you don’t need to keep gas cans around in case it snows.)

Ryobi’s compact electric single-stage blower features an 18-inch clearance width and 10-inch clearance depth, making it the perfect size for lighter snowfall. It’s cordless, powered by a 40-volt (V) battery, so it’s just as maneuverable as a gas-powered model. (There are, in fact, plug-in electric snow blowers.) It has an adjustable chute for controlled snow throwing, a push-button start, and an LED light for increased visibility at dusk or dawn. The Ryobi 18-inch snow blower can also throw snow about 25 feet and, as a bonus, its battery is compatible with other 40V products in Ryobi’s lineup.

Best gas-powered: Toro Power Max HD 828

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: With a 28-inch clearing width, adjustable chute, and two-stage design, the Power Max HD 828 was born to clear snow.

Specs

• Dimensions: 58 x 29.5 x 31.5 inches (DWH)
• Weight: 310 pounds
• Type: Two-stage
• Clearing width: 28 inches
• Power source: Gas

Pros

• Anti-clogging system
• 28-inch clearing width
• LED headlights

Cons

• Very expensive

With a wide 28-inch clearing width, gas-powered engine, and adjustable chute, the Toro Power Max HD 828 is a monster snow blower built for clearing large areas after big storms. The two-stage operation can toss snow up to 45 feet, and the machine is self-propelled, so all users need to do is guide the Power Max over the areas that need clearing. It also includes features that make it easier to use, including an electric start button and an LED headlight. As with all gas-powered models, the Power Max is loud. That said, its wide clearing width and self-propelled engine ensure you’ll get the job done quickly.

Snow removal is serious business

Snow removal is a normal part of life for homeowners in large swaths of North America, so it’s easy to dismiss the fact that it’s a very taxing activity that can become quite dangerous for people with health issues. The combination of cold temperatures and intense physical exertion while shoveling a driveway can lead to an increased risk for a heart attack, according to the American Heart Association, particularly if you have high blood pressure or cholesterol. Your risk of a catastrophic health event is also higher for people with conditions like diabetes, smokers, and those of us who don’t get to the gym enough.

Ideally, older adults diagnosed with heart or physical health issues should avoid snow removal entirely. If you can, hire someone to shovel your driveway and walkway. According to Dr. Claire Ankuda, clearing snow is always a risky move for older people with physical limitations.

If that’s not an option, use a snow blower to remove as much snow from your walkways and/or driveway as possible. It minimizes the risk of muscle and back strain (or worse) and can clear a large area more efficiently while limiting your exposure to the elements. Best of all, it doesn’t require as much physical exertion as a shovel. Even then, Ankuda still advised caution:

“It’s important to physically warm up with stretching, to wear appropriate boots to reduce the chance of slips, and to take frequent breaks,” She said. “The majority of injuries that are related to snow blowers have been due to hand or finger injuries, from people reaching in to clear blockages in the discharge chute. This can be avoided by using a tool or a stick to unclog the machine.”

What to look for when picking the best snow blowers for elderly people

A good snow blower is fast, effective, and easy to use—but that’s just the baseline, the bare minimum. There are a few technical factors to keep in mind when picking out the gear that will help you get through every winter storm for the foreseeable future. For starters, there are three kinds of snow blowers; you should know which one you want. From there, keep an eye on its size and weight to ensure you can easily move them around. You should also note its clearing dimensions, which describe the swatch of snow you can remove in a single pass.

Types of snow blowers

Snow blowers come in three categories, divided by the number of mechanisms they use while clearing snow. “Single-stage,” “two-stage,” and “three-stage” snow blowers each have their advantages and disadvantages.

Single-stage snow blowers are compact, easy to maneuver, and feature simple controls, making them better suited for elderly people. They feature a spinning metal auger at the front of the machine that scoops up light-to-moderate snowfall and discharges it through a chute. Single-stage snow blowers are simple, making them the ideal option for people with physical limitations. That said, their auger blades may skim the ground during operation, which could pick up rocks and toss them out of the chute, possibly damaging nearby vehicles. You should definitely avoid single-stage mowers if you have a gravel driveway.

Two-stage snow blowers have a fan-like mechanism called an impeller, which helps throw snow out of the chute, as well as the auger found in a single-stage blower. The combination amps up the power, making a two-stage blower capable of clearing up to 23 inches of snow and ice over all types of terrain (even gravel driveways). They also feature a self-propelled transmission with forward and reverse speeds, which assists with pushing the snow blower through thick, icy snow accumulation.

A three-stage snow blower features an auger, an impeller, and adds an accelerator, which grinds chunks of ice into slush and spits it out with the snow. It’s best for moving heavy, compacted snow and ice up to 23 inches deep. In addition to being more powerful than one- and two-stage models, a three-stage snow blower should work well over unpaved surfaces and/or steep inclines. While you can find them for sale at hardware stores, three-stage snow blowers are generally considered commercial machines. We’d consider them overkill in most situations.

If you’re looking to minimize physical exertion, a single-stage snow blower is a logical choice. It’s the easiest to use and should be able to handle light-to-average snow. If your health is a concern, you should call a professional when you get heavy snow overnight, regardless of what gear is in your garage.

Size and weight

To ensure the snow blower is easy to use, we recommend looking at its size and weight. A heavier snow blower may be harder to set up and put away at the start and end of the season.

Single-stage blowers are more compact, lightweight, and easier to handle, making them an excellent choice for elderly people. Likewise, electric snow blowers tend to be light, between 30 and 65 pounds. Gas-powered models can weigh a lot more—100-300 pounds. While these models are more capable of clearing large areas of snowfall and ice, they’re also some of the biggest, heaviest snow blowers on the market, so they’re not ideal for older adults.

Clearing width and depth

Clearing width and depth indicate how much snow a blower can clear in one pass. Clearing width describes how wide a path the snow blower will create, while clearing depth tells you how high a snow pile it can process. A typical single-stage blower can clear a path that’s 11-22 inches wide through up to 8 inches of snow. A two-stage snow blower can clear a patch up to 23 inches deep and 30 inches wide in a single pass, which is great for longer driveways. 

We recommend most people use a single-stage blower for its more compact size, but a two-stage snow blower’s greater clearing width and depth might be necessary if you get a lot of snow each season. A two-stage snow blower makes sense if you need to clear a larger area with denser and possibly icy snow. 

Surface type

The surface you’re clearing will affect the type of snow blower you need. A single-stage blower is excellent for clearing flat, paved walkways and driveways. However, as we mentioned, they’re not suited for clearing gravel surfaces because they tend to pick up and throw loose rocks. A two-stage snow blower can clear diverse terrain and generally feature larger, more durable wheels that can gain better traction on icy snow. Two-stage blowers may also feature engine-driven wheels capable of handling uneven and sloped surfaces, making them far easier to push in challenging conditions.

Extra features

Beyond the core mechanisms, snow blowers can come with lots of bells and whistles that can make your experience easier and/or safer. Some of them, like an automatic safety cutoff, can prevent injuries. Others, like an adjustable throw chute, may make it easier to move snow efficiently.

Older adults may specifically want to look for a snow blower with features that make it easier to handle. Some snow blowers have power steering to reduce resistance when turning. Many electric snow blowers have a power button instead of the traditional ripcord found on gas-powered models. Some even have headlights for increased visibility at dusk or dawn. These features aren’t standard, so you’ll likely find them on more expensive models, but we think it’s worth the extra expense if they may make clearing snow easier.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best snow blowers for elderly people

• Best overall: Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE
• Best budget: Greenworks 13 Amp 20-inch Corded Snow Thrower
• Best single-stage: Toro Power Clear 721 
• Best two-stage: Troy-Bilt Storm 2420
• Best electric: Ryobi Brushless 18-inch Single-Stage Snow Blower
• Best gas-powered: Toro Power Max HD 828

Older adults with health issues should avoid clearing their own snow. If you have to do it yourself, however, using one of the best snow blowers for elderly people will make digging out much easier and safer. Besides, who wants to actually shovel snow, anyway?

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best snow blowers for elderly people in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Loftie Clock		SEE IT	Gentle wake-up sounds meet sleek design.
Best for light therapy		Philips SmartSleep		SEE IT	Light therapy in this alarm clock allows it to do double-duty.
Best for kids		Echo Show 5		SEE IT	An out-of-this-world smart alarm clock with features for kids.

For most of us, alarm clocks are a daily feature of life—they see us at our worst, tired, cranky, and out-of-sorts—but what if they could be smarter alarm clocks? That means an alarm clock with the ability to customize how you wake up and how you fall asleep. With options, in many cases, for different sounds, lights, and preprogrammed gentle-on-your-body alarm functions that have you waking up as rested and refreshed as possible (these are, after all, still alarms). You may even be able to talk to them to tell them exactly what you want them to do. To smooth out the inevitable wake-up bumps, you don’t want just any alarm clock—you want the best smart alarm clock on the market today.

• Best overall: Loftie Clock 
• Best for the minimalist: Hatch Restore 2
• Best for a small space: Lenovo Smart Clock
• Best for light therapy: Philips SmartSleep
• Best for kids: Echo Show 5

How we chose the best smart alarm clocks

This preapproved selection of the best smart alarm clocks will save you time and maybe some 6 a.m. wake-up headaches. To narrow things down, we considered expert and real-world opinions and looked at what benefits each smart alarm clock delivered. Of course, not everyone wants the same thing from a smart alarm clock. Some people may want a smart alarm clock that goes the gentler route by using light therapy, while others may want nature sounds and a soothing sunrise to raise them from their slumber slowly. Ease of use and integration with apps and your smartphone, plus attractiveness on the bedside table, were also factors that helped shape our decisions.

The best smart alarm clocks: Reviews & Recommendations

While there’s not a lot of joy to be had in waking up before you’re ready, there is at least a little glee in finding a smart alarm clock that helps wake you up the way you prefer. From smart alarm clocks with preset sleeping and waking sounds to alarms that do their jobs while looking damn fine, here are our most alarming picks.

Best overall: Loftie Clock 

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This smart alarm clock has all the bells and whistles, from a Bluetooth-enabled speaker to preprogrammed gentle wakeup sounds.

Specs

• Dimensions: 6.5” W x 2.75” D x 2.75” H
• Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Power: USB-C cable and power adapter with backup lithium-ion battery

Pros

• Two-phase alarm for a gentler approach to waking up
• Built-in white noise and relaxing sounds
• Bluetooth speaker to play whatever music you’d like
• Adjustable night light (includes blackout setting)

Cons

• WiFi required to operate
• Night light isn’t enough to read by
• Limited amount of programming in Loftie itself

The Loftie Clock looks like a regular alarm clock (albeit a sleek one), but it hides a lot of functionality behind its unassuming facade, doing double duty as a smartphone alarm clock with a built-in Bluetooth speaker. The big idea behind this alarm clock is that you get the modern-day technological features you might traditionally find in your phone—like meditation programs and relaxing music—but without the distraction of having your phone by your bed (no more late-night doom-scrolling). Instead of being the loudest alarm clock on the block, it’s taking the kinder, gentler route.

This smart alarm clock can fit on just about any bedside table with room to spare at a light 1.8 pounds and a small footprint of 6.5 inches wide, 2.75 inches in diameter, and 2.75 inches high. Its polycarbonate shell and steel top grill can withstand the half-asleep smacking that sometimes comes with disarming alarm clocks, while the lithium-ion battery backup is a nice feature of this device that’s normally powered via a USB-C cable and power adapter.

Just how smart is it? It’s got a two-phase alarm that sends a gentle prod first before the more traditional alarm jolt. Speaking of, you can wake up however you’d like by customizing the alarm tone and what volume it comes on for various days of the week. If you like falling asleep to white noise or nature soundscape, the clock comes preprogrammed with 100-plus sleep and nature sounds. Maybe you need a little more to drift off to sleep or wake up refreshed. In that case, its updatable wellness content includes sound baths, guided meditations, and breathwork tips. If you already have your own audio content and music you prefer, you can also set that up via Bluetooth from your phone.

The unit itself has a dimmable glow for those who like some gentle light on in their room to go to sleep (or to find your way to the bathroom for those middle-of-the-night wakeups). For those who need a pitch-black room with zero light distractions, the sleep timer with blackout mode is just the thing.

Instead of packing your bedroom with a white noise machine, light therapy wakeup lamp, alarm clock, and smartphone, you can simply rely on the Loftie Clock to play all these roles in your life. And it does so elegantly, in customizable top colors including black, white, pine, coffee, and red shell—the base is always black. And as for that promise of being able to leave your phone in the other room while you sleep, the Loftie Clock delivers, as all of its built-in features can be accessed through the alarm clock itself without the use of your phone. 

Note that you will need a WiFi connection to use most of its functions. The app is also finicky: There have been moments where we’ve tried to change an alarm via app, only to be met with a “sync unsuccessful” message. Changing the alarm on the clock itself isn’t a workaround to this, and your best bet is reconnecting the clock.

Best for the minimalist: Hatch Restore 2

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Of all the smart alarm clocks out there, this one looks the least like an alarm clock, and that’s a good thing for the design-conscious.

Specs

• Dimensions: 7.5 x 2.75 x 5.75 inches
• Weight: 19 ounces
• Power: Proprietary cable that plugs into an outlet

Pros

• Dimmable clock for complete nighttime darkness
• Phone-free controls
• Free app available in Apple Store and Google Play Store

Cons

• Paid Hatch membership is needed to access sounds beyond what’s preprogrammed
• WiFi connection required

For those who want an alarm clock by their bed that looks nothing like an alarm clock, the Hatch Restore 2—available in the natural colors of latte, putty, and slate—does the trick. This unobtrusive fabric-covered alarm clock uses light and sound to both help you go to sleep and wake up. You get the choice of many “colored” noises, from white to pink (lower pitch, more soothing) to brown (deeper, more rumbly), plus those inspired by nature or thought to promote sleep. And you get light and dark on your terms, with a sunrise alarm clock option and a dimmable clock that stays off unless you tap it to see the time. 

Once you get your Hatch smart alarm clock set using the free companion app (accessible to iOS and Android phones), you can start your nighttime routine by pressing a button on the device itself—meaning you can keep your phone away from your sleep area, a big plus for the easily distractible. You will need WiFi and Bluetooth to operate it, and if you want a full library of content beyond the preprogrammed sounds and noise, you’ll have to sign up for a Hatch Membership after a free trial. The Hatch Restore 2 also suffers the same pitfalls as the Lofie: You’re a bit screwed if the app isn’t working.

Best for a small space: Lenovo Smart Clock

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Google Assistant makes the interface easy to use, and the color screen adds appeal.

Specs

• Dimensions: 4.21″ L x 8.65″ W x 3.26″ H 
• Weight: ‎1 pound
• Power: Proprietary cable that plugs into an outlet

Pros

• Use voice with Google Assistant for easy operation
• Pairs with most smart devices that use Google Assistant
• USB charging port for phones, other devices

Cons

• Small size may not be for everyone
• No battery backup in case of power outage

The Lenovo Smart Clock is like having a little computer screen right next to your bed—and it’ll do what you ask thanks to Google Assistant integration, which works in Android or iOS. The fabric-covered clock has a 4-inch color screen that can display the time, weather, and your Google photos. You can customize the clock faces just like on a smartwatch. And you can even check in on your smart camera feeds and pair other smart devices that work with Google Assistant. The multiroom audio feature lets you connect your clock to a speaker group and play media like music or podcasts across multiple devices and rooms. Choose to control things like setting your alarm via voice activation or do it manually via the onscreen buttons and menus. This alarm has a slow brightening option that you can have activated 30 minutes before you want to wake up. And you can stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks via the speaker.

Best for light therapy: Philips SmartSleep

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: While on first blush, it’s the sunrise and sunset light that set this smart alarm apart; it’s the extras like the phone charging dock and app that help it shine.

Specs

• Dimensions: 8.8″ D x 8.6″ W x 4.7″ H 
• Weight: 3.36 pounds
• Power: Power cord with 8-hour alarm back-up

Pros

• 8 pre-programmed wake-up sounds to choose from
• Easy customization of sunset and sunrise via app
• Phone charging dock bonus

Cons

• Not Bluetooth enabled
• Small digital numbers can be hard to read
• Light can only connect via 2.4 GHz WiFi router

While its main selling point is its sunrise and sunset lights, the Philips SmartSleep has a lot of smart alarm features that make it a winner in the broader smart alarm clock category, too. Nice touches like an easy-to-access midnight light on top of the device for those 3 a.m. milk and cookie runs, an FM radio for those who like to wake up to the news or their favorite station with a clock with radio alarm, and a phone charging dock put it in a class above. There’s also an eight-hour alarm power backup for when your electricity fails, a speaker, the ability to wake up to both light and sounds, an auto-dimming display, smart snooze, and an AmbiTrack sensor to measure your bedroom sleeping environment. 

Using this smart alarm clock with the SleepMapper app allows you to track your sleep, get insights into your habits, and sync sleep metrics with Apple and Google Health. You don’t need to use the app to control the device, but you’ll have easier access (and access to more features) if you do. Just note that there’s no Bluetooth, and it only works when connected to 2.4 GHz WiFi.

Best for kids: Echo Show 5

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Alexa integration makes it easy for kids to set their own alarm, play music, and make video calls—all with parental controls in place.

Specs

• Dimensions: 5.8″ W x 3.6″ D x 3.2″ H
• Weight: 16.01 ounce
• Power: Proprietary cable that plugs into an outlet

Pros

• Alexa voice assistant for ease of use
• Built-in camera for video calls
• Parental controls to control when and how kids use the device

Cons

• Screen may lag a bit
• Amazon-dependent system

The Amazon Alexa integration with this alarm clock, really a member of the Amazon family of smart speakers, means it does a whole lot more than just make sure your kids wake up in the morning. Your child can ask it questions, have it play music, stream a podcast, and make video calls to trusted contacts. There’s also a chance to interact with Disney characters using the device. And yes, your kids can use Alexa to set their own wake-up alarms, read them a bedtime story, and even turn off any compatible smart lights with your alarm clock at night. Parental controls mean that all this happens under your watchful eye.

What to consider when buying the best smart alarm clocks

Here’s what you should consider when shopping for smart alarm clocks:

How big and flashy do you want your smart alarm clock to be?

Some smart alarm clocks are the same size (or smaller) as a standard analog or digital alarm clock meant to sit on a bedside stand, while others are much larger and more noticeable. Some smart alarm clocks look like you’d expect a bedside alarm clock to look, while others are more like a computer screen, and still others don’t look like an alarm at all—and instead resemble an unobtrusive piece of art.

How smart do you want your smart alarm clock to be?

Some smart alarm clocks are just smart enough with a WiFi connection and the ability to connect to your phone for ease of programming. Other smart alarm clocks have hundreds of preprogrammed sounds, the capacity to run a sunrise and sunset light show, the ability to stream from your phone via Bluetooth (almost like tiny powered speakers, though without the fidelity), and their own dedicated apps that offer even more features that might include analyzing your sleep patterns. Sometimes, a smart alarm can also be a central access point to other smart-home devices, like a security system or room lights.

What type of technology do you want your smart alarm clock to have?

If everything in your home runs via Google Assistant, you might look at an alarm clock that includes that functionality. While if you prefer Alexa, you might prefer a different alarm clock with built-in Amazon tech. Ensure the smart alarm clock you choose integrates with your phone’s operating system. Look for either iOS or Android compatibility, although many do both.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best smart alarm clocks

• Best overall: Loftie Clock 
• Best for the minimalist: Hatch Restore 2
• Best for a small space: Lenovo Smart Clock
• Best for light therapy: Philips SmartSleep
• Best for kids: Echo Show 5

The best smart alarm clocks are easy to set up and offer many ways of waking up, whether you prefer those with lights, soothing natural sounds, or multi-step alarm options. If you’d like to ditch your regular alarm clock or phone alarm for a smart alarm clock, consider this a gentle nudge to make the switch.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best smart alarm clocks of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

The holiday season means a lot of cooking and baking for a crowd, which is significantly more difficult if you wait until Black Friday to outfit your kitchen. Save yourself the hassle—and give yourself more time to get acquainted with your new gear—by saving on a bunch of Ninja appliances on Amazon right now. You’ll beat the holiday rush and save a bunch of money at the same time.

Ninja SFP701 Combi All-in-One Multicooker $179.99 (Was $229.99)

SEE IT

Counterspace is premium kitchen real estate, so we’re advocates for getting appliances with multiple functions. Ninja’s multi-cooker has 14 settings, including bake, air fry, proof, sous vide, toast, steam, seat, sautee, and broil. All of these functions can be accessed from the control panel, which allows you to cycle between functions and change the multi-cooker’s temperature with the push of a button. We like that the smart oven’s buttons are large, which makes them easy to hit, and that the lights next to each current function illuminate when they’re selected.

A big part of this appliance’s appeal is Ninja’s “combi cooking” system. The smart oven comes with a deep cooking pan on the bottom, with a crisper plate and bake tray that can fit on top. This allows you to cook two parts of a single meal simultaneously. In the photo above, you’ll see baked ziti and chicken breasts, which are both being cooked by selecting the “combi meals” function. This cooking system will make a big difference if you’re frequently ordering out due to lack of time. On a big meal day like Thanksgiving, think about the appeal of having multiple sides—or even a few turkey breasts and stuffing—being ready together.

Other appliance deals that’ll make you feel like a cooking ninja:

• Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie & Food Processing Blender, $89.95 (Was $129)
• Ninja OL701 Foodi 14-in-1 SMART XL 8 Qt. Pressure Cooker, $249.99 (Was $349.99)
• Ninja K32014 Foodi NeverDull Premium Knife System, $179.99 (Was $299.99)
• Ninja KT200 Precision Temperature Electric Kettle, $62.99 (Was $89.99)
• Ninja GR101 Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill & Griddle, $119.99 (Was $139.99)
• Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, $199 (Was $229)
• Ninja CI101 Foodi Power Mixer System, $79.99 (Was $99.99)
• Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer, $179.95 (Was $199.99)
• Ninja B39010 Foodi NeverStick Premium 10-Piece Bakeware Sheet Set, $143.99 (Was $179.99)
• Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor, $99.95 (Was $119.99)

The post Kick your kitchen up a notch before Black Friday with these Ninja appliance deals appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Sony FX30		SEE IT	This compact and relatively affordable camera is ready for serious filmmaking.
Best compact		DJI Pocket 2		SEE IT	Despite its small size, this camera shoots super-smooth 4K video.
Best for vlogging		Sony ZV-1		SEE IT	This compact camera offers just about everything you need to get started.

Having a quality video camera will upgrade the production value of whatever you may be shooting. Whether working on a short film, a YouTube channel, or video content for social media, having more than your phone to capture your footage will ultimately make your final product look more professional. Although most modern cameras can shoot 4K video, when selecting a video camera, you should also consider specs like resolution, frame rate capabilities, sensor size, and bit-depth. The video cameras in this buying guide should appeal to a diverse group of videographers and fit various budgets. Of course, you can spend Michael Bay money and get true cinema rigs, but those fall outside the scope of this article because of their cost and complexity. Keep reading to learn more about the best video cameras currently available.

• Best overall: Sony FX30
• Best for filmmaking: Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
• Best for photo and video: Canon EOS R6 Mark II
• Best for vlogging: Sony ZV-1
• Best compact: DJI Pocket 2

How we chose the best video cameras

When selecting the cameras that appear in this buying guide, we considered video cameras that fit a variety of budgets, experience levels, but also a variety of needs based on the kinds of videos that might get created. We evaluated cameras that would be a good fit for filming documentary films, capturing events, and for YouTube creators. The cameras in this buying guide were selected through hands-on experience, user feedback, and trusted editorial reviews.

The best video cameras: Reviews & Recommendations

Your phone has a video camera baked into it, but these dedicated cameras all offer something the device in your pocket can’t. Here are our specific picks to meet your cinematic (or social media) needs.

Best overall: Sony FX30

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This 4K APS-C sensor camera is optimized for video and offers a wide variety of capture formats, making it our pick for best overall video camera.  

Specs

• APS-C sensor 
• 10-bit 4:2:2 S-Log3 capture
• Shoots oversampled 4K up to 60p

Pros 

• In-body image stabilization 
• S-Log3 capabilities with uploadable custom LUTs and S-Cinetone color profiles
• Rig-ready body 

Cons 

• No mechanical shutter 

The compact Sony FX30 was built with small-scale filmmakers in mind. The 4K APS-C camera features excellent in-body image stabilization, five thread holes for attaching mounts, and three command dials for straightforward operation. The FX30 can shoot oversampled 4K up to 60p, features the same Log shooting modes found inside Sony’s high-end cinema cameras, and can upload customized LUTs (Look Up Tables, which work like visual styles you can apply to footage) to judge what final image quality will look like. Although it can technically shoot stills, the lack of a mechanical shutter doesn’t make it the ideal camera for the job because moving subjects can look distorted due to sensor readout. However, since it’s a camera designed with filmmakers in mind, we wouldn’t count that as a drawback. 

Best for filmmaking: Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera combines a high dynamic range, excellent low light performance, and a massive sensor to offer Hollywood-style production value at a fraction of the price. 

Specs

• Super 35 sensor
• 13 stops of dynamic range
• Records in 12-Bit Blackmagic RAW 

Pros 

• Built in ND filters
• External controls make it easy to adjust settings while rolling
• USB-C port allows you to record to external drives
• EF lens mount makes it compatible with Canon lenses

Cons

• Have to build out with accessories 

The Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera makes it easy to capture Hollywood-style video thanks to its high dynamic range capabilities and ability to record in 12-bit  Black Magic Raw. Although it’s pricey compared to many of the 4K and 6K mirrorless cameras currently on the market, it’s a much more affordable option than the ARRI and Red rigs typically found on big-budget film sets. You can shoot 50 fps at 6K and 120 fps at 2.8K. USB-C expansion ports allow you to record directly to external drives. The external controls make it easy to change settings while rolling, plus it has an extremely intuitive interface for easy operation. 

The integrated Canon EF mount gives the camera native access to Canon’s DSLR lenses. Since Canon is phasing out cameras with that mount, there are a ton of great deals out there on the secondary market for extremely high-end lenses.

Best for photo and video: Canon EOS R6 Mark II

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This second-generation Canon EOS R6 is an excellent choice for shooting stills and video, thanks in part to a design that keeps video and still settings clearly separated from one another. 

Specs

• Full-frame 24-megapixel CMOS sensor 
• Shoots oversampled 4K up to 60p
• 10-bit C-Log3 

Pros 

• Supports ProRes RAW workflow with an Atomos recorder
• Dedicated switch for stills and video settings
• Offers false color displays

 Cons 

• Unreliable AF in video mode
• Histogram unavailable when recording video 

The Canon EOS R6 II made some substantial improvements to video features compared to the original, which is why it’s our pick for best hybrid camera. It’s built around a 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, a comfortable hand grip, and an intuitive control system that keeps video and photo settings separate. It can shoot oversampled 4K video up to 60p and has an improved system for thermal management—meaning it won’t overheat while shooting. Although the autofocus isn’t always reliable when shooting in video mode, this is still an excellent option for the creator looking for something that can shoot both video and stills.

Best for vlogging: Sony ZV-1

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: A compact camera designed specifically with vloggers in mind, the SV-1 has excellent autofocus and a simple touchscreen interface that makes it easy to control while doing a walk and talk. 

Specs

• 20-megapixel 1” BSI CMOS sensor
• Shoots 4K up to 30p
• 8-bit Log and ‘HLG’ shooting modes

Pros 

• Has a directional 3-capsule mic for audio 
• Supports HLG and S-Log2/3 for easy color grading
• Real-time Eye AF 

Cons 

• No headphone jack for audio monitoring
• Limited zoom range

The ZV-1 is a compact, easy-to-use camera that makes it easy to start vlogging without much technical know-how. It has a clever directional three-capsule mic that makes it easy to capture quality audio while recording. It can shoot 4K up to 30p and Full HD video up to 120fps. There is a giant record button on the top of the camera and a simple touchscreen interface that makes operating the ZV-1 extremely intuitive. 

Its autofocus is fast and accurate, and settings like background de-focus and product-showcase mode are aimed specifically at content creators. If you are looking for an easy-to-use, compact camera with 4K capabilities, the ZV-1 has much to offer. 

Best compact: DJI Pocket 2

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This pocket-sized all-in-one gimbal and 4K camera is great for capturing stabilized footage. 

Specs

• 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor 
• Shoots 4K video at 60fps
• Built-in 3-axis gimbal for smooth, stabilized footage

Pros 

• Pocket-sized and easy to travel with
• Offers 140 minutes of recording time on a fully charged battery
• Fast f/1.8 lens 

Cons 

• Difficult to operate when attached to smartphone
• Subpar zoom quality 

This clever all-in-one gimbal and camera makes it easy to capture 4K stabilized footage. As the name suggests, the DJI Pocket 2 is compact enough to fit inside a pocket easily. The Pocket 2 features four mics with directional audio and a feature called soundtracking. The Pocket 2 is great as a secondary camera on a shoot or for capturing BTS footage from the day. Ultimately the Pocket offers an extremely easy way to grab some stabilized footage while shooting video.

Things to consider before buying a video camera 

Before purchasing a camera, it’s important to consider what your goals are and what kind of videos you are trying to create. You should also consider where your final video will be displayed. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have specific requirements for video specs that often require shooting on higher-end cameras. If you want to create video content primarily displayed on YouTube or other social media platforms, a mid-range video camera might be a more appropriate choice. Ultimately a person working on a full-length film or a short documentary will have very different needs than someone creating video for a YouTube channel. 

Camera types

One of the most important things to understand before buying a video camera is the different types of cameras available on the market. At the high-end, there are cine-cameras. Cine-cameras are some of the most expensive and largest cameras on the market because they often have the largest sensor, can shoot at very high resolutions, and allow for more flexibility when color grading. 

There are currently several mirrorless cameras aimed at videographers who don’t necessarily need a high-end cine camera. These cameras are great for creating videos that will primarily live on YouTube, making them a nice choice for vloggers, event videographers, and content creators. The nice thing about this set of cameras is that they also can shoot high-quality stills. 

Resolution

You’ll likely want to export 4K footage when you’re done editing, and you’ll need at least 4K capture for that. That’s table stakes at this point. Some cameras offer higher-res shooting which allows creatives to shoot over-sampled 4K footage to provide more detail.

Lens mount

If the camera doesn’t have an integrated lens, you’re going to have to provide some glass, and that plays a huge part in how your productions look. Camera manufacturers (like Sony and Canon) typically offer their first-party lenses to go with their bodies. Other manufacturers like Blackmagic equip their cameras with mounts that can accept lenses from a third party. Many filmmakers also use vintage manual focus lenses on their video cameras because they provide a unique look, and they typically cost a lot less than their modern high-end counterparts.

Heat management

True cinema cameras offer robust cooling because the electronics inside can get very hot as they pull in high-res footage. Dedicated video cameras are better equipped to deal with these issues than most hybrid-oriented mirrorless cameras. Manufacturers often indicate in the specs how long you can expect a camera to go before it runs into heat issues. It’s also worth noting that some modes heat things much more quickly than others. If you’re maxing out resolution and framerate while capturing a data-hungry format, things will get toasty a lot faster than if you’re shooting basic 4K footage.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best video cameras

• Best overall: Sony FX30
• Best for filmmaking: Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
• Best for photo and video: Canon EOS R6 Mark II
• Best for vlogging: Sony ZV-1
• Best compact: DJI Pocket 2

Choosing the best video camera ultimately depends greatly on what you are shooting and where the final video will end up. It’s not unusual for videographers to shoot on various gear, depending on what a project calls for. When selecting the best video camera, you should always consider what type of gear is the best for getting the job done. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio, to video games, to cameras, and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best video cameras for 2023 as chosen by experts appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Cat8		Dacrown Cat8		SEE IT	Dacrown makes the best-reviewed consumer-grade Cat8 Ethernet cable that we could find.
Best braided		Danyee Cat7 Braided		SEE IT	Among the best Cat7 Ethernet cables, Danyee’s braided design stands out as the most stylish.
Best Cat6		Amazon Basics Cat6		SEE IT	Amazon Basics’ cable is the cheapest, most dependable Cat6 available in a wide variety of lengths.

Ethernet cables may not be the flashiest part of your rig, but they are an absolutely essential piece of gaming hardware. Wi-Fi is getting better all the time, and many people have effectively gone completely wireless, but even then you still need an Ethernet cable to connect the modem and router. Moreover, gamers know that having a wired connection to your PC or console is still unbeatable, whether you’re playing competitive matches, trying to maintain a steady Twitch stream, or just hoping to download the latest Modern Warfare update in time for you to actually play it before going to bed.

Though they aren’t complicated, Ethernet cables can be confusing. With new and improved standards coming out every few years, it isn’t always clear what’s changing and when you might need to upgrade your cables. We’re here to demystify terms like “Cat6” and “Unshielded Twisted Pairs” so you can find the best Ethernet cable for gaming to suit your particular needs.

• Best Cat8: Dacrown Cat8
• Best braided: Danyee Cat7 Braided
• Best flat: Jadaol Cat7
• Best outdoor: Shinekee Outdoor Cat7
• Best Cat6: Amazon Basics Cat6

How we picked the best Ethernet cables for gaming

Ethernet cables are fairly straightforward as far as consumer tech goes, so there aren’t a ton of different specs, variants, or subcategories to consider—cables do one thing. We’re looking for the ones that do it well. We combed through round-ups and reviews to see what other professionals recommended, but this isn’t a hardware category that lends itself particularly well to traditional criticism. Instead, we relied much more on collating consumer reviews to find the products that are most consistent and long-lasting.

All of this was, of course, filtered through extensive research into the history and current state of Ethernet technology, as well as decades of personal experience in home networking and online gaming—this very copy was submitted over our best flat cable. 

The best Ethernet cables for gaming: Reviews & Recommendations

Unless you’re really trying to scrimp and save, almost any Ethernet cable you’ll buy for gaming is going to be capable of handling way more bandwidth than your ISP provides. After deciding how much extra capacity you’d like to pad in, picking comes down to your particular needs—flat cables are easier to run under carpets or through door frames; extra weatherproofing lets you run cable outside and underground; braiding and colors can meet your aesthetic needs. Sometimes it even comes down to what lengths of cable the manufacturers sell. Each of these brands and specific recommendations was selected because they offer high performance and strong approval from their users.

Best Cat8: Dacrown Cat8

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Dacrown makes the best-reviewed consumer-grade Cat8 Ethernet cable that we could find.

Specs:

• Standard: Cat8
• Frequency: 2000 MHz
• Speed: 40 Gbps
• Length: 5-150 ft
• Shielding: S/FTP

Pros:

• Extremely fast throughput
• Durable PVC weather-proofing
  Wide range of available lengths

Cons:

• Expensive

If you’re searching for the best Ethernet cable for gaming, then you’re going to naturally be drawn to Cat8 as the highest standard available right now. Many brands make Cat8 cables but we found that Dacrown’s edged out the competition in both consumers’ and critics’ reviews for delivering steady, high-speed internet at a relatively reasonable price. There is some debate among users about whether most consumer-grade Cat8 cable is “true” Cat8, capable of supporting the format’s full potential, but people who use Dacrown cables tend to be happy with their performance. For gaming, Dacrown’s Cat8 Ethernet cable will ensure a fast and solid connection for the foreseeable future.

Best braided: Danyee Cat7 Braided

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Among the best Cat7 Ethernet cables, Danyee’s braided design stands out as the most stylish.

Specs:

• Standard: Cat7
• Frequency: 600 MHz
• Speed: 10 Gbps
• Length: 1.6-100 ft
• Shielding: STP

Pros:

• Excellent data speed
• Multiple options for stylish nylon braiding
• Flat

Cons:

• Stiff
• Nylon could fray

Virtually all Ethernet cables are coated in plain, monochromatic plastic. That’s fine if you’re able to discreetly run them out of sight, but otherwise magnifies the eyesore caused by poorly managed cabling. While several brands offer colored plastic, Danyee goes above and beyond with its series of premium nylon-braided Cat7 cables in four different patterns and colors. The cable is flat, which is helpful if you need to run it under carpet or through a door, and the nylon weave coating adds friction to reduce sliding around making this cable the best braided Ethernet cable for gaming. There’s one small downside: Since the cable features both nylon and PVC coating, the cable is stiffer and harder to manipulate. There are also rare reports of the nylon fraying with excessive handling.

Best flat: Jadaol Cat7

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Jadaol’s sturdy, flat, and flexible cables are perfect for long and unobtrusive runs.

Specs:

• Standard: Cat7
• Frequency: 600 MHz
• Speed: 10 Gbps
• Length: 25-100ft
• Shielding: STP

Pros:

• Excellent data speed
• Flat
• Included clips

Cons:

• Lack of length options

Standard Ethernet cables are round, but flat cables can be essential if you need to run them through tight spaces like under carpets or through walls. Jadaol makes the best flat Ethernet cable for gaming at various standards that are both durable and highly flexible, making it as easy as possible to run them around corners and through tight spaces without putting any strain on the wires within. The included nail-in clips aid this even further, making it quick and easy to neatly tuck the cable against the baseboard, around a door frame, etc. With only 25-, 50-, and 100-foot options available, it may be hard to get the exact length you need, especially for short runs. If you’re looking for a discrete, high-speed option to slip under rugs and behind furniture, though, these are the cables you need.

Best outdoor: Shinekee Outdoor Cat7

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Shinekee’s heavy-duty outdoor cable delivers the full potential of Cat7 Ethernet in a form factor that’s tough enough to brave the elements.

Specs:

• Standard: Cat7
• Frequency: 600 MHz
• Speed: 10 Gbps
• Length: 25-200ft
• Shielding: STP

Pros:

• Excellent data speed
• Heavy-duty PVC coating
• Rated for outdoor and underground use

Cons:

• Expensive

When you need to run your Ethernet outdoors, it’s absolutely worth spending a little more to get an outdoor cable that’s made to endure the elements. Shinekee’s outdoor cable has the same high-quality internals as the other cables on our list (shielded, twisted pairs of copper cable and gold connectors), but with an extra durable PVC coating that’s water- and UV-proof, and is rated for being buried underground. With a 200-foot option, it’s also the longest cable in our list by a wide margin and should maintain its full Cat7 speed at that length.

Best Cat6: Amazon Basics Cat6

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Amazon Basics’ cable is the cheapest, most dependable Cat6 available in a wide variety of lengths.

Specs:

• Standard: Cat6
• Frequency: 250 MHz
• Speed: 1 Gbps
• Length: 3-50ft
• Shielding: UTP

Pros:

• Dependable gigabit performance
• Good variety of size options
• Great value

Cons:

• Only Cat6
• Maximum 50ft

Ethernet cables are right in the sweet spot for Amazon Basics. As a widely used commodity without much brand loyalty, it’s easy for Amazon to leverage its massive scale with inexpensive gear. If you just want dependable gigabit internet and want to pay as little as possible, Amazon Basics’ Cat6 Ethernet cable for gaming is hard to beat. It doesn’t go any longer than 50 feet, so you won’t use it for big projects, but there are more options at the short-run cables than any other brand on our list.

Things to consider before buying the best Ethernet cables for gaming

It’s very easy to get frustrated trying to look at the differences between Ethernet cables. The standard for telling cables apart is unique and confusing, making labels and product listing hard to understand. Here’s a little primer on how to separate the good Ethernet cables from the bad, whether or not you’re using them for gaming.

Pick your cable to match your internet service

Remember: The Ethernet cable is just a pipe (or a tube) for your internet connection. The maximum internet speed set by your data plan, measured in megabytes (or increasingly gigabytes) per second, sets the upper limit of what your connection is capable of. If your ISP limits you to 50 Mbps, then more advanced cables that can accommodate 10+ Gbps will be overkill. Going the other way, if you pay for a high-speed plan, then you’ll want to ensure you aren’t throttling it by using a sub-par cable.

Plan the work, work the plan

The length of Ethernet cables has a tangible impact on the quality of your service. The greater the length of the cable between a source and a receiver, the more the signal will degrade, effectively slowing down your internet. Ideally, you want to place your modem as close as possible to your router and other devices that you plan to connect via wired internet to minimize the distance of cable you need to connect them. 

To make your setup as efficient (and hidden) as possible, you should plan out your setup and figure out how to route your cables before setting up a device with an Ethernet connection. Once you know where things will be, measure the distance that the cable will need to run and then purchase a cable as close to that length as possible (while still of course giving yourself a little slack to work with). Ethernet cables are fairly cheap and the difference in price between the most and least expensive is especially small for short lengths of cable. It’s easy to justify a tiny splurge on a thoroughly future-proofed cable if you aren’t trying to wire up a whole house.

Herding “Cats”

The primary way that Ethernet cables are labeled is by “Cat,” short for category. The numbered categories—Cat1 through the most recent Cat8—refer to different generations of standards created by the Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), a technology consortium that sets independent standards for many aspects of tech. IEEE standards ensure that each category is a notable jump in data transfer speed and efficiency while maintaining certain qualitative standards, including backward compatibility with older cables.

Since this list is for the best Ethernet cables for gaming, which requires fast and consistent internet, we recommend that you look for Cat7 or Cat8 cable, with Cat6 as a budget-conscious backup. All three tiers accommodate gigabit-plus internet, giving you full access to a high-speed connection. Cat5 is still in fairly common use, but the difference in price is so minuscule that you might as well at least go for six.

Cat6 supports a frequency of 250MHz, which translates to 1 Gbps over up to 100 meters of cable and 10 Gbps over up to 55 meters of cable. If you want to shoot for the moon, Cat7 runs at 600MHz, which translates to 10 Gbps over up to 100 meters of cable. It’s also more durable and features less signal distortion than lower categories. Cat8, the current top standard, jumps up to 2GHz, so it can support wild speeds of 25 or even 40 Gbps up over up to 30 meters of cable, or comfortably support 10 Gbps over 100 meters of cable. 

You may be thinking to yourself, “40 Gbps seems like incredible overkill for my 1 Gbps home network,” and you’d be right! Cat8 (like Cat6 when it was first introduced in the early 2000s) is primarily meant for enterprise applications for technology industry applications like data centers. 

That said, newer Cats are also held to higher construction standards that minimize noise and increase lifespan. If you’re buying large amounts of Ethernet cable to run through the walls of your home, you may consider spending the money to buy better cable that will last longer. While it’s primarily meant for businesses, Cat8 is available to the average consumer, and often marketed as the cutting edge of home networking.

Shielding, foil, and twisted pairs

All cables Cat6 and up are shielded from internal “crosstalk” (interference generated by other wires within the cable) by way of “twisted pairs,” which aren’t just the performative emo couple from your high school but refers to literally tangled wires that, through the magic of electromagnetics, somehow reduces noise.

Twisted pairs are just the baseline for modern Ethernet cable shielding. There are a few different varieties of cable, which you’ll want to know about when you pick your cable. UTP cables, or “unshielded twisted pair,” offer baseline protection, with no additional shielding beyond the twisting. STP cables, or “shielded twisted pair,” enhance that protection by adding a layer of shielding around all of the twisted pairs, minimizing external interference. FTP cables, or “foil twisted pair,” feature a layer of protective foil around each individual twisted pair. Finally, S/FTP cables combine the individual and outer shielding of FTP and STP cables for maximum protection against electromagnetic interference and crosstalk. 

Both Cat7 and Cat8 are required to have some shielding, so that’s another advantage to trading up. Cat6 is required to have UTP, but some cables offer more protection. Cat1-Cat5 are the wild west: They may have it, or they may not. Regardless, it’s worth checking what level of protection your cables offer.

FAQ

The final word on the best Ethernet cables for gaming

• Best Cat8: Dacrown Cat8
• Best braided: Danyee Cat7 Braided
• Best flat: Jadaol Cat7
• Best outdoor: Shinekee Outdoor Cat7
• Best Cat6: Amazon Basics Cat6

Hopefully, this clears up any confusion you had about what you need to consider when buying the best Ethernet cables for your gaming experience. Wireless is fine for most things, but your PC, Xbox, or PS5 will really benefit from the speed and stability of a wired connection. The cables are relatively cheap and currently support much faster internet than most ISPs offer in most places, so Cat7 and Cat8 cables are an easy way to upgrade and future-proof your setup.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best Ethernet cables for gaming in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Peerless Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain		SEE IT	Peerless Auto-Trac chains offer excellent traction while being one of the easiest sets of tire chains to install.
Best for trucks		Security Chain Company Quik Grip		SEE IT	These large chains offer maximum durability to support the weight of heavy duty pickup trucks.
Best budget		Security Chain Company Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain		SEE IT	These large chains offer maximum durability to support the weight of heavy-duty pickup trucks.

When driving on snowy and icy roads, often the one thing that can keep you from getting stuck is a good set of tire chains. These vehicle accessories consist of metal chains that install around the wheels of your vehicle to maximize traction in snowy and icy conditions, making them a necessity for those who live in regions that see extreme winter weather each year. In fact, some states even require snow chains if traveling in certain mountainous areas during extreme winter weather. Finding the right set can be challenging, as not all tire chains are identical. They come in different sizes, materials, and tread patterns to suit different types of vehicles and varying severities of winter weather. Many models are designed to be easy to install, reducing the time one has to spend out in the cold. Learn what features are vital to consider when shopping for these winter weather vehicle accessories and find out why the models below are some of the best tire chains on the market.

• Best overall: Peerless Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain
• Best heavy-duty: AutoChoice 6 Packs Car Snow Chains
• Best low-profile: Glacier Passenger Cable Tire Chain
• Best for trucks: Security Chain Company Quik Grip
• Best budget: Security Chain Company Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain

How we chose the best tire chains

In reviewing more than 25 sets of tire chains for this article, we considered what sets best suit vehicles ranging from smaller cars to large SUVs and heavy pickup trucks, keeping the following considerations in mind:

Traction: Although traction isn’t the only thing, it’s clearly the most important factor in tire chains. We chose only models that provided ample traction.

Durability: I only included chains made from steel alloys that could hold up to supporting the weight of a vehicle in difficult weather conditions. This included traditional tire chains and those that use steel rollers or coils.

Installation: Tire chains are typically installed in extreme winter weather on the side of a road or in a snow-covered driveway. With this in mind, we only chose tire chains that one could capably install in these conditions. Tire chains with self-tightening features outranked those that required manual tightening.

The best tire chains: Reviews & Recommendations

Whatever kind of vehicle you drive, you don’t want to go out in the winter without the best tire chains, because even the best heated gloves, socks, and vests (even a battery-powered electric blanket) don’t keep you as comfortable as getting home and out of the storm safely. We’ve rounded up the best options on the market. from heavy-duty to budget-friendly picks.

Best overall: Peerless Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain

SEE IT

Why they made the cut: This pick eliminates the major headache with tire chains—putting them on—with an innovative design that essentially automates the installation process, making them one of the most user-friendly options on the market.

Specs

• Material: Manganese alloy chain
• Shape: Diamond
• Size options: 14 to 20 inches

Pros

• Easy to install
• Excellent traction with a diamond-shaped pattern
• Durable steel alloy construction

Cons

• A little on the heavy side

Tire chains generally aren’t user-friendly. Most require you to jack the car up to properly tighten them to the wheel, which often involves paying someone else to do the work. That’s not the case with Auto-Trac’s Peerless tire chains, which use a tensioning system that automatically tightens the chains to the wheel. To install, simply attach the internal cable to the tighteners that run around the outside sidewall of the tire and begin driving to activate the ratcheting system that tightens the chains.

The diamond pattern of this set of chains not only facilitates the automatic ratcheting system, creating a tight grip around the tires, but it also makes for better performance by creating more surface area and improving traction.

In addition to being easy to install, this set is durable, thanks to its manganese steel alloy construction and heavier gauge chain links. Of course, that gauge also makes these chains on the heavy side at 15 pounds for the set. With sizes ranging from 14 to 20 inches, this set of chains is one of the more versatile options on the market, capable of fitting light trucks, SUVs, and cars.

Best heavy-duty: AutoChoice 6 Packs Car Snow Chains

SEE IT

Why they made the cut: The thickness and coverage of these chains take the traction one can get from a set of tire chains to another level. And while the installation may take longer, it’s less complicated.

Specs

• Material: Steel
• Shape: Squares
• Size options: 14 to 20 inches

Pros

• Heavy-gauge chains provide optimal traction
• Separate pieces make them easier to install
• Fits a wide variety of tire sizes

Cons

• Installation is more time-consuming
• Expensive

One look at this set of tire chains from AutoChoice, and one can see that they are much beefier than other models, thanks to sets of six thick chains for each tire. With their thicker gauge and square design, these chains dig into snow and ice to provide ample traction. The chains are divided into six separate pieces per wheel—a six-pack—which attach independently. The chains have thick straps that consist of tendon material that thread through the rims and tighten to the wheel in a similar fashion to ratcheting tie-down straps.

This design has both positives and negatives. By having separate pieces, they’re easier to install, as there is no need to untangle and line up a single stretch of chain or jack up the wheel. Simply apply one set, then move on to the rest. On the flip side, attaching six separate sets of chains to each wheel is time-consuming.

While this set of tire chains is on the pricier side—you’ll need to buy a set of six per wheel—it does include some useful extras, including two pairs of gloves, a long hook to help with mounting, and a fiber-absorbent towel.

Best low-profile: Glacier Passenger Cable Tire Chain

SEE IT

Why they made the cut: Although there is a trade-off in traction, we love the low-profile design of this set of chains, which makes them suitable for most cars.

Specs

• Material: Steel rollers
• Shape: Square
• Size options: 14 to 20 inches

Pros

• Fits type S low-profile vehicles
• Lighter weight makes them easier to install
• Affordably priced

Cons

• Traction isn’t as good as standard tire chains

Tire chains can be tricky with passenger vehicles with S clearance, which means there is limited space between the wheel well and the tire. Adding the additional thickness of snow chains can damage the car as the chains scrape against the wheel well when the suspension flexes. In fact, some car manufacturers will even void warranties if they find that a car has used chains that are too bulky for the wheel well.

Glacier solves that problem by creating tire chains that aren’t really chains at all. Glacier’s tire chains actually consist of a set of hardened steel rollers that run perpendicular to the tire treads and secure to a thick gauge wire cable that runs the circumference of the tire’s outer sidewall.

The result is a tire chain with a low enough profile that it can fit S-clearance passenger vehicles. And, at 6 pounds, these chains are also easier to install than heavier sets. Keep in mind that there is a trade-off. While these roller-style chains will improve vehicle traction for snowy weather, they don’t provide the same traction as a set of traditional tire chains.

Best for trucks: Security Chain Company Quik Grip

SEE IT

Why they made the cut: Though they may be tougher to install, you can’t argue with the fact that these chains offer the superior traction and durability that heavy-duty trucks driving on snow-covered roads require.

Specs

• Material: Alloy steel chain
• Shape: Square
• Size options: 15-20 inch

Pros

• Durable all-chain construction
• CAM tightening system makes installation easier
• Thicker gauge chains provide superior traction

Cons

• Harder to install than other types
• Won’t work with low-clearance vehicles

Larger trucks and SUVs require heavy chains that won’t break under intense weight or extreme conditions. Thanks to their durability, these thicker steel alloy manganese chains are one of the best options for full-size trucks. They’re even rated to work with farm equipment and dual-wheeled trucks.

Security Chains’ tire chains have a square configuration design, which provides maximum start-up traction. We like this set in particular because of the integrated CAM tightening system that eliminates the need to use tensioners to tighten the chains. The Quik Grip chains that don’t have this feature are less expensive, but we think it’s worth the additional cost to save the hassle of purchasing tensioners separately.

Even with the CAM tightening system, these chains are more difficult to install than other options, but the superior durability and traction they offer make them a must-have for heavy-duty trucks that face severe winter weather. Remember that these chains won’t fit trucks with S-class clearance requirements.

Best budget: Security Chain Company Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain

SEE IT

Why they made the cut: These tire chains are inexpensive and versatile, capable of fitting most cars, trucks, and SUVs. We also like the design, which makes them easier to install than other tire chains by eliminating the need for manual tightening.

Specs

• Material: Alloy steel coils
• Shape: Diagonal
• Size options: 14 to 20 inches

Pros

• No need to manually tighten
• Low profile makes them compatible with most vehicles
• Affordably priced

Cons

• Steel coils do not provide as much traction

This versatile set of tire chains from Security Chain is easy to install, affordably priced, and will fit vehicles with restricted clearance around the wheels. They consist of alloy steel traction coils thinner than standard chains, making them compatible with most cars. They only require a quarter-inch of sidewall clearance, so they’re suitable for most cars and SUVs as well as trucks.

These tire chains are also easier to install than other models thanks to rubber connectors that hold the coils taught, eliminating the need to tighten the chains manually.

This set of chains also preserves handling better than bulkier chains while preserving such important safety features as anti-lock brakes, traction control, and all-wheel drive. Keep in mind there is a trade-off. The low profile and limited coverage of the coils do provide less traction than larger sets of tire chains.

Things to consider before buying tire chains

Traction

Perhaps the most important trait to consider is how well the chains will keep you from getting stuck. The rule of thumb is rather straightforward when it comes to traction. The thicker the chain and the more coverage on the tire tread, the better the traction. Chains with heavier gauge steel links will dig into snow better than coils or rollers, providing better traction. Keep shape in mind as well: Square-shaped chains may provide better traction for getting started but diamond-shaped chains provide better directional traction, which means better handling.

Material

Please pay attention to what the chains are made from, which will determine their durability. Generally speaking, a steel alloy with manganese is considered “high strength” steel, which can better withstand the pressures exerted on it when functioning as a tire chain. While chains may have superior strength, steel alloy rollers and coils are also quite strong. In addition to the chains, pay attention to other materials they use to hold them in place. While rubber and thick nylon straps may be durable enough for cars and light trucks, heavy-duty trucks require all-chain construction.

Size

Size is important because the tires must be compatible with the size of the tires on your vehicle. Tire chains are not one size fits all. Most models of tire chains come in a broad range of sizes to suit different tire sizes. Tire chain manufacturers include size charts that correspond to the model numbers of their products. Check the size of your tires (printed on the sidewall of each tire) and match that size to the right model tire chain.

Installation

Most likely, you’ll be installing tire chains in inclement weather, so it’s important to purchase chains that you can install as quickly as possible. If you have a car or small truck, consider purchasing a set of tire chains that are self-tensioning. Self-tensioning chains take a little more work to install initially, but they don’t require you to tighten (and retighten) the chains manually.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best tire chains

• Best overall: Peerless Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain
• Best heavy-duty: AutoChoice 6 Packs Car Snow Chains
• Best low-profile: Glacier Passenger Cable Tire Chain
• Best for trucks: Security Chain Company Quik Grip
• Best budget: Security Chain Company Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain

Choosing the right tire chains requires finding a product balancing good traction and easy installation. The Peerless Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain excels on both fronts, making it one of the best all-around tire chains you can put on your car or truck. If you’re looking for a set of chains to outfit your heavy-duty pick-up truck, then consider going with Security Chain Company Quik Grip, which offers superior traction and durability.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio, to video games, to cameras, and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best tire chains of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Solar		TomCare Solar Lights		SEE IT	Eight hours of sunlight gives you 12 hours of torchlight.
Best for Bugs		Deco Home Tikki Backyard Torch		SEE IT	Keep bugs 15 feet away with this easily-refillable torch.
Best Budget		TIKI Brand Luau Bamboo Torches – 12 Pack		SEE IT	Get 5 hours of power at a time for less than $25.

Light the torch and let the opening ceremony of summer commence. Since our days living in caves, humans have used torches to keep the lights on and the party going. The best tiki torches are much more than simple, oversized matches. Torches made of glass and metal bring new artistic options to outdoor decor. Solar-powered tiki torches eliminate the need for fire. Tiki torches with citronella shield you and your guests from annoying (and dangerous) mosquitoes. You now have dozens of options to ignite your outdoor space with bright, beautiful light. 

From the simple bamboo firesticks to the elaborate glass vases, you can mix and match your outdoor illumination to create unique spaces for big parties and quiet nights. While you can pick up a few cheap tiki torches at the grocery store, don’t ignore the potential of specialized troches only available online and in home stores. Learn the pros and cons of these new ambiance staffs and find the very best tiki torches for your yard, deck, event or campsite with this guide.

• Best overall: TIKI Brand Resin Jar TIKI Torch 4-in-1
• Best solar: TomCare Solar Lights
• Best glass canisters: TIKI Brand King Oahu Glass Torch
• Best for bug control: Deco Home Tikki Backyard Torch
• Best budget: TIKI Brand Luau Bamboo Torches – 12 Pack

The best tiki torches: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: TIKI Brand Resin Jar TIKI Torch 4-in-1

SEE IT

To achieve the best lighting, including on your deck, you need variety and the best deck tiki torch that does it all is the Jar Tiki. The artful jar can stand on its own as the centerpiece on a table. For decks and porches, the smaller pole height works on railings thanks to the included mount. Each of the metal torches offers up about four hours of flame-time, so keep the fuel handy. It’s the best way to add varying heights to your space while maintaining the cohesive look of matching torches.

Best solar: TomCare Solar Lights

SEE IT

The TomCare Solar Lights are the best solar powered torches thanks to lifelike illumination that flickers and flutters like the real thing. With 8 hours of sunlight beaming on the solar cells atop each torch, the flame will stay lit for about 12 hours. That should carry you through the entire night. The pole stands at 43 inches, which is shorter than most that stretch past the 60 inch mark, so make sure the height works for your space. (They are waist-level, not eye-level.) The waterproof lights stand up against most summer weather, but you want to bring these in during the harsh winter months. Installation is stratightword with the plastic stakes and everything is contained in one well-balanced solar tiki torch.

Best glass canisters: TIKI Brand King Oahu Glass Torch

SEE IT

Bring whimsy to your outdoors with the King Oahu glass tiki torch. The modeled glass looks amazing in the day and shines and shimmers like ice at night. Fifteen ounces of fuel fit into the glass, enough for an evening of tiki wonderment. It can be used on the included pole or as a tabletop torch. It works best as a staked pole torch because on a table it can tip and fall over too easily. If you have pets on leashes, keep the leashes clear of the poles or the torches will topple. The lights are hefty, and feel strong when properly staked. Use them to outline the party space and prepare for oohs and ahhs as guests watch the tiki god, and the tiki god watches back.

Best for bug control: Deco Home Tikki Backyard Torch

SEE IT

The best tiki torches for mosquitoes are ones that stay lit. The Deco Home metal torch is a simple design that can handle the citronella fuel of your choice. It is a basic backyard torch—but it’s well-made and solid. Filling the torch with bug repellent fuel is easy and a full torch will last 6 hours. Loaded with citronella oil, the torch keeps bugs 15-feet away, but some biters will still break through your line of defense. You will want to add some bug spray to your arms and legs.

Best budget: TIKI Brand Luau Bamboo Torches – 12 Pack

SEE IT

Bamboo tiki torches will last long enough for a fun, dry night in the yard and they are easy to stake and fuel. Keep a few torches on hand stored safely in the garage and bring them out as needed throughout the summer. You’ll get 5-hours of flame power with a full 12 ounce tank of fuel. The attached snuffer puts out the flame easily when the party’s over. Don’t expect too much from these cost-effective lights, and you’ll get more than your money’s worth.

How to find the best tiki torches for your outdoor space

Offering quiet mood lighting is just one of the many functions of the best tiki torches. The designs of today have become artful lighting elements with features that add usability to your backyard. Mosquito control is is one of the biggest benefits, and new solar-powered torches even provide realistic flame ambience without the danger of fire.

You can find tiki torches that can be used season after season. Metal tiki torches may lack some of the classic, delightfully cheesy design of the vintage bamboo, but these modern lights provide new, eye-catching style to any backyard. 

Of course, if the torch runs out of gas, what good is it? Tiki torches will use replaceable gas or oil to stay alight and there are a variety of fuels to choose from. Efficient design and top-quality fuel give long life to your nightlight and eliminate the need to stop the party to fill up or replace the lights. And new table-top tiki torches bring big light to the centerpiece of a table. No longer just for the perimeter of the party, these tiny (and safe) torches bring the party nice and close. 

Explore all options and choose the best tiki torches for your specific space. 

What are the best deck tiki torches?

Height is important when shopping for the best deck tiki torches on the market. A 5-foot lawn torch is great for open spaces, but won’t be useful on a deck or if you want to bring the torch closer to the party. Smaller 3-foot ones are easier to use in tighter spaces and can bring brilliant backyard lighting to decks and patios. And tabletop torches can be placed anywhere and make beautiful centerpieces.

Wherever you plan to use the torches, be sure to check that it’s a safe space that’s not directly under an awning, tree or patio umbrella. Unless it’s a small tabletop model, keep the torches 3-feet away from people, patio furniture, and buildings. You also want space between each torch—at least four feet. Too many torches crammed into a small space will lose any flickering light effect and look cluttered.

What about solar lights?

Ditch the fire fuel and draw power from the biggest tiki torch in the solar system. Solar tiki torches provide safe, flame-free/smoke-free light that shines anywhere you need it. Today’s solar torch designs offer flickering light that looks lifelike and many “flames” can be adjusted to provide unique lighting options. 

The biggest benefit of solar tiki torches is fire safety. Pets and children will knock over anything in the yard, so going flameless is a smart idea for areas prone to play. And these cool lights are also easier to use and maintain than gas-fueled torches. The water-proof casing means you can leave them staked in the ground all season. And with a day of sunshine, the solar battery should charge up a full night’s worth of light.

The downside to solar powered tiki torches will become very clear on a cloudy day. They may also be dimmer, even on a full charge, than the standard ones.

Get creative with glass

Many modern tiki torches are sleek and minimal. But a glass torch can help bring some of the fun back to the backyard with lights made to be seen. Because they are basically glass jars, they make for one of the best tiki torch canisters and will hold a lot of fuel. And glass doesn’t rust or warp in the rain. But the real benefit of glass tiki torches is that they become eye-catching works of art. 

If you’re shopping for backyard lights that make an impact, glass tiki lights on a pole or a tabletop are the perfect conversation piece. Tabletop glass torches can “glow up” even a basic picnic table and tall glass torches staked into the ground offer heavy-duty construction that minimizes spills and tumbles.

Can tiki torches help with bug control?

The smells of summer are backyard barbecue, sunscreen, pool chlorine and citronella. Citronella is a natural oil from lemongrass that has been used to deter mosquitoes for hundreds of  years. It’s safe and inexpensive. But is it effective for bug control, including when it’s used in a torch? The answer: Kind of. 

There are plenty of fuels infused with citronella and they all claim to keep bugs away. If it doesn’t seem to be working there are two issues to consider: First, citronella doesn’t work well on windy days. Once the citronella fumes mix with air, it quickly gets diluted and ineffective. Second, citronella works best in close areas. If the torches are spread too far out, it won’t deter the bugs. Keep the torches within 15-feet of the action for best results. 

If you need more help shielding guests from bugs, use the torch in conjunction with a spray-on bug repellent that has DEET as one of the ingredients. Spray your arms and legs and hopefully you’ll stop slapping yourself silly all night.

What if I’m looking for something cheaper?

If all you want is some temporary outdoor lighting, pick up a set of bamboo tiki torches for very little money. The bamboo has a classic look and it works well enough … until it doesn’t. 

While generally safe to use, the bamboo torches may catch on fire, and not in the intended way. They also create a lot of smoke so some fine tuning with the wick is expected. If you don’t need fancy metal material and elegant style, go simple and go cheap with the traditional and temporary torch.

FAQs

A final word on shopping for the best tiki torches

• Best overall: TIKI Brand Resin Jar TIKI Torch 4-in-1
• Best solar: TomCare Solar Lights
• Best glass canisters: TIKI Brand King Oahu Glass Torch
• Best for bug control: Deco Home Tikki Backyard Torch
• Best budget: TIKI Brand Luau Bamboo Torches – 12 Pack

The best tiki torches give new life to the outdoors. Metal tiki torches are sturdy and dependable sources of light. Solar lights/torches are safe and simple. Glass ones add style to the backyard. And the classic bamboo tiki torches bring affordable ambiance to any event. Find the best deck torches, or ones for the yard, around the pool, or for lining a walkway. The beauty of a flickering flame makes any summer night fun and memorable.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best tiki torches of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Arturia Pigments		SEE IT	Deep and versatile.
Best analog		u-he Diva		SEE IT	You’ll swear it’s actually analog.
Best for pros		Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2		SEE IT	Sound design has never been so much fun.

There’s never been a better time to make music. What used to be a prohibitively expensive endeavor that required thousands of dollars of pricey hardware and outboard gear is now possible with a laptop, a decent set of studio monitors, and a MIDI controller. Fueling the fire of this production revolution are top-quality synth VST (Virtual Studio Technology) instruments and effects. Thanks to ever-improving computing power, the sound of these virtual synthesizers—which load into your computer as plugins in a DAW, or digital audio workstation—are now almost indistinguishable from their hardware counterparts. Whether you can hear the difference in the mix arguably doesn’t even matter anymore. Listeners surely don’t notice! And, because synth VSTs aren’t bound by real-world rules, advanced features, new and novel forms of synthesis, and astonishing, built-in effects are par for the course. And all at a fraction of the cost of hardware. There will always be a place for physical musical instruments but right now, many of the most exciting things in music production are happening in the computing realm. Here are our picks for the best synth VSTs on the market now. Viva la VST revolution!

• Best overall: Arturia Pigments
• Best free: Surge XT
• Best for beginners: Roland Cloud Juno-106
• Best for pros: Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
• Best analog: u-he Diva
• Best wavetable: Xfer Records Serum
• Best loop-based/best sampler/best ROMpler: Native Instruments Kontakt 7

How we picked the best synth VSTs

The VST market is already massive and companies release new versions every day. And that’s before you even start counting freeware instruments. To arrive at our list of the best synth VSTs we considered a number of points, such as sound quality, the types of synthesis (how it generates the sound), an abundance of patch-shaping parameters, extras like built-in effects and sequencers, and price—including free synths. We also looked at the level of difficulty of use. Will beginners feel comfortable with it or is it better suited for pros? After narrowing things down, we amalgamated the results of our personal experience with general industry consensus and critical response to assemble this list of the best synth VSTs.

The best synth VSTs: Reviews & Recommendations

When shopping for a VST synth, remember to keep your end goal in mind. What kind of music do you intend to make with the instrument? If your goal is synthwave, something suitably retro and vintage-sounding is in order. However, a virtual analog synth won’t cut the mustard (or even the mayo) if your musical sandwich needs acoustic and real-world ingredients. In that case, you may need a sampler. Also, remember that beyond its musical capabilities, this is a piece of software with technical specifications, so ensure that your computer and DAW can handle it—both in terms of format and CPU hit. Finally, have fun. There’s very little that’s more exciting than a new synthesizer to bring your studio monitors to life.

Best overall: Arturia Pigments

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: A synthesizer that can do it all and sound great doing it.

Specs

• Formats: VST2, VST3, AAX, AU
• Synthesis types: Virtual analog, wavetable, additive, sample-based, granular
• Effects: Yes

Pros

• Stunning sound quality
• Variety of sound engine types
• Plenty of modulation possibilities

Cons

• Could be challenging for beginners
• CPU hog

Arturia is one of the top VST synth developers in the world. It made a name for itself creating deliriously great-sounding emulations of classic synthesizers. For its first original VST synth, the French company brought all of its decades of experience to bear in Pigments, a modern instrument with a deep variety of sound engines and parameters.

Think of Pigments like a colorful build-your-own dessert bar where you get to stack up the sweet flavors however you see fit. Start with the sound-generating oscillators: You can have up to three of these, with virtual analog, wavetable, samples, and additive (building up harmonic partials) available. After this comes the filter, or actually filters, with 10 types culled from a variety of famous synths ready to slide into two slots. Modern music is all about modulation, and Pigments comes packed with envelopes, LFOs, step sequencer-like function generators, and more. Colorful visual feedback that lives up to the instrument’s name makes this relatively easy to understand. Finally, there’s an extensive effects section, including ones taken from Arturia’s many famous effect unit emulations.

Pigments is not a beginner’s instrument; it’s deep and complex and powerfully capable. To get the most out of it, you need to know your way around subtractive synthesis, how to manipulate a wavetable, and how granular synthesis works. However, this also makes it incredibly versatile and able to turn out sounds that will easily fit into any genre. The presence of a sample sound engine alone makes it usable in everything from electronic music to film-scoring. 

One caveat: all that power requires CPU so make sure your system can handle it or be prepared to freeze or bounce tracks.

With its deep synthesis options, customizable modules, and powerful modulation parameters, Pigments could be the only VST synth you ever need.

Best free: Surge Synth Team Surge XT

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This free and open-source VST synth is ridiculously powerful.

Specs

• Formats: VST3, AU
• Synthesis types: Virtual analog, wavetable, FM, physical modeling, more
• Effects: Yes

Pros

• Free
• Great sound quality
• Plenty of synthesis options

Cons

• May scare beginners off

You don’t have to spend a lot of money for quality synth VSTs. In fact, sometimes you don’t have to spend any money at all. Case in point is Surge XT, a deep and dynamic freeware synthesizer. What started as a paid synth by developer Vember Audio has now evolved into an open-source passion project by a team of volunteer developers known as Surge Synth Team. As more people come on to work on it, the synth continues to evolve almost organically.

Given its collective nature, practically every facet of Surge XT has an almost bewildering variety of options. The oscillator section alone has 12 different algorithm types, from standard virtual analog and wavetable to different FM varieties, physical modeling, and even a port from a modular synth. You could spend days just exploring the sound generation section, and that’s without mentioning the dual filters, each with a ton of different configurations, some taken from other freeware instruments like Odin and OB-Xd. Modulation is similarly deep and extensive, as is the effects section. There’s plenty more too.

If Surge XT has a drawback, it’s that it’s almost too complex. With so many options you’d be forgiven for finding yourself lost in the permutations. This can make it intimidating for beginners. Thankfully, there are presets to help get you started—unsurprisingly, almost 3000 of them. But if you’re going to have a problem, too much of a good thing is a fine one to have.

Best for beginners: Roland Cloud Juno-106

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Roland’s emulation of its classic polysynth sounds just like the real thing.

Specs

• Formats: VST3, AU, AAX
• Synthesis types: Virtual analog
• Effects: Yes

Pros

• Gorgeous sound
• Uncluttered layout
• Perfect for beginners

Cons

• CPU hungry

Roland made a name for itself by releasing some of the most popular analog synthesizers of the 1980s. One of those, the Juno-106, has gone on to become something of a legend. With its uncluttered interface, streamlined signal path, and gorgeous tones, it has become classic hardware for synth-pop and dance music. The company has now released its own VST version and it’s the perfect instrument for beginners to get their heads around subtractive synthesis.

The sound starts with a single oscillator. Here called a DCO (Digitally Controlled Oscillator), it has a particularly smooth and stable tonal character. This passes through a single and lovely filter before hitting the effects section. The famous Juno chorus effect is included but Roland has beefed up this section to include distortion, reverb, delay, and other common effects. And while the signal path may be easy to understand, sound quality is not lacking in any way, with a depth and profundity to match the hardware original.

It’s not all sunshine though. As with other, modern VST synths, sound quality has a price tag and it’s usually paid by the CPU. You can reduce polyphony (the number of notes you can play at a time) to address this but this will also affect your ability to play complex chords.

Juno-106 is part of Roland Cloud’s subscription service. You can access it by paying a monthly or yearly fee or buy it outright for $149. Both options have their benefits; it’s for you to decide which is the more attractive. Either way, you’re getting access to one of the best—and easiest to use—synthesizers ever made.

Best for pros: Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With both samples and unique wavetables, Omnisphere is capable of wholly original sounds.

Specs

• Formats: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX
• Synthesis types: Wavetable, sample-based
• Effects: Yes

Pros

• Deep sound design
• Unique sample library
• Hardware integration

Cons

• Expensive

Some synths, like the Juno-106 (above), offer a limited palette of sounds. That’s OK. They do one thing and they do it well. And then there are synths that do pretty much everything. That’s Spectrasonics’ Omnisphere. And the clincher is it sounds like heaven.

Omnisphere combines samples with synthesis—in this case, DSP-generated wavetables. Because of the samples—many recorded bespoke by Spectrasonics itself—the instrument can go beyond the usual familiar synthesized sounds into completely uncharted territory. This makes it the go-to program for professional sound designers working in film, television, and the video game industry. Beginners beware: this is a seriously high-level instrument. Wallets also beware: Omnisphere comes with a pro-level price tag.

Spectrasonics was founded by hardware synthesizer designer Eric Persing (Roland, Alesis) so it’s no surprise that it allows you to use your real-world synth as a MIDI controller. Finally, the either/or question of hardware versus software has been answered with a resounding “both.”

When it’s time to level up in the VST synth game, Omnisphere is the obvious choice.

Best analog: u-he Diva

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Diva’s analog dream synth combines the best bits of famous instruments into a jaw-droppingly beautiful whole.

Specs

• Formats: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX (currently Windows only)
• Synthesis types: Virtual analog
• Effects: Yes

Pros

• Incredible sound quality
• Modular approach to synthesis
• Deep sound design

Cons

• Heavy CPU usage

With so many famous analog synthesizers released in the 1970s and 1980s, wouldn’t it be amazing if we could somehow combine them all into one gorgeous instrument? Take, say, the oscillator section from a Moog Minimoog and combine it with the filter circuit from a Korg MS-20. That’s the idea behind u-he’s Diva, an analog-style synthesizer that offers not only this kind of flexibility, but also sounds absolutely stunning in the process.

At first blush, Diva appears to be your standard analog synthesizer. It has an oscillator section, filter, and envelopes. Move along, nothing to see here, right? Not quite. You can choose from a number of alternatives for each of these sections, building up the ideal signal path for your target sound. This offers a level of flexibility you don’t often get in traditional analog emulations. Diva goes deeper though, with additional controls for fine-tuning—even offering modifications to the “circuit” itself. It’s all finished off with a comprehensive effects section.

None of this would mean anything if Diva didn’t have the sound quality to back it up, but it does. Oh, does it ever. It can be luscious and creamy or wild and wooly, just as you expect a hardware synth to be. Close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re playing an analog synth from 1980. You do have to pay the piper in the form of CPU consumption, though.

If you’re after analog authenticity but don’t want the headache and hassle of owning a room full of cantankerous old synths, Diva is the way to go.

Best wavetable: Xfer Records Serum

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Ultra-clean wavetables and plenty of modulation options make Serum a digital synth god.

Specs

• Formats: VST2, AU, AAX
• Synthesis types: Wavetable
• Effects: Yes

Pros

• High-quality sound
• Workflow oriented
• Effects suite

Cons

• CPU hungry

If you’ve listened to EDM or any other kind of dance music in the last few years, you’ve likely heard Xfer Records’ Serum in action. This wavetable VST synth has come to dominate the sound of electronic music and for good reason: it’s absurdly powerful and it sounds astonishingly good.

Xfer Records didn’t invent wavetable synthesis. That honor goes to Wolfgang Palm, who made it famous with his PPG Wave instruments in the 1980s. They used dynamic digital samples to create new textures and tones. These sounds were also full of aliasing, or digital noise, however. While some find aliasing charming, Xfer Records clearly does not and has managed to wipe it completely clean from Serum. The result is a synth with all the inherent power of wavetables that is also mind-blowingly smooth and crystalline.

Serum also offers more than just the usual scannable wavetables, with a whole host of table manipulation options. You can warp them in a variety of ways, from subtle to complete annihilation. You can even import your own wavetables and draw in original manipulations.

With tons of modulation possibilities—the source of the wubs, or fluttering bass sound, so popular in dance music—plus tons of filter types, effects, and a massive unison mode for stacking oscillators into single, fat tones, Serum is your one-stop-shop for dance floor destroying sounds. Just keep an eye on your CPU meter—Serum can be a ravenous monster.

Best loop-based/best sampler/best ROMpler: Native Instruments Kontakt 7

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Kontakt is the sampler to have if you work with sample libraries, want to make your own, or both.

Specs

• Formats: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX
• Synthesis types: Sample-based, wavetable
• Effects: Yes

Pros

• Many libraries available
• Drag and drop sampling
• Built-in filter and effects

Cons

• Expensive

There are different kinds of VST instrument users. If you’re the type that likes working with real-world sounds like violins, guitars, and acoustic percussion, you’re going to need a sampler. Likewise, if you want to make your own sample packs. In either case, the choice is clear: Native Instruments’ Kontakt 7.

Native Instruments is a real player in the VST synth game, with an almost endless amount of famous releases in its stable (Massive, anyone?). Kontakt 6 is the jewel in its crown and practically an industry unto itself. All those expensive orchestra sample libraries aimed at composers and wannabe Hans Zimmers? They all run on Kontakt. If you have any interest at all in soundtrack work, Kontakt needs to be in your plugin folder. While third-party libraries must be purchased separately, Kontakt 6 does include a large and very usable factory library for immediate gratification.

Kontakt 6 is more than just a ROMpler, powerful though it is. It’s also incredibly useful for making your own sample packs. You don’t need to be a software developer to get the most out of it either. With drag and drop sample importing, easy editing, built-in filters and effects (many taken from NI’s own effects plugin line), and now even a wavetable engine, you’ll be sampling in no time.

What is a VST?

Put simply, a VST is a plugin instrument, audio effect, or MIDI effect that you can load into a separate application, usually a DAW (see below). The term VST can be used in the broad sense to refer to all music plugins in general (and this is how we’re using it primarily in this list) or, confusingly, a specific format of music plugin. At the format level, VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology and was invented by audio developer Steinberg in 1996 for use in its Cubase DAW. The most recent iteration of the company’s VST standard is VST3. You may see the term VSTi used. This is an older abbreviation that refers to a VST-format instrument. 

Other plugin types include AU (Audio Unit) for Apple computers and AXX (Avid Audio eXtension) for Pro Tools software. Some DAWs will accept only one format, like Logic (AU) or Pro Tools (AAX). Others, like Ableton Live, accept multiple ones (AU, VST2, VST3). Check your DAW’s technical specifications to find out what formats are compatible.

What is a DAW?

A DAW is a digital audio workstation. It’s a music-making application and, as the name suggests, a kind of virtual studio. It’s fully self-contained and allows you to make music with essentially just a computer. Some famous DAWs include Steinberg Cubase, Avid Pro Tools, Apple Logic Pro X, and Ableton Live. They are all a little different in terms of workflow but share many similarities. They allow you to record audio, work with MIDI to sequence notes, and load instrument and effects plugins. Most come pre-stocked with a selection of plugins to get you started and also accept third-party plugins, such as the ones on this list.

Things to consider when shopping for the best synth VSTs

What kind of music are you making?

As with any instrument, the first thing to address when buying a synth VST is does it match the music that you intend to make? Just as you probably wouldn’t buy an accordion to make heavy metal, a retro-sounding virtual analog synth might not be the best complement for dark trap. Or maybe it would—that decision is ultimately up to you and your creative needs.

Software support

There are also technical considerations. As computers age and operating systems are updated, software developers have to make choices about how far back they are willing to support. Make sure that the program you’re about to drop $200 on will run on your system. There’s also the matter of 32- and 64-bit apps. Modern operating systems no longer support 32-bit programs. While you should not run into any conflicts with the VSTs on this list, some older ones (and especially freeware plugins) may not work if they haven’t been updated to 64-bit. 

Format

Your chosen DAW has restrictions too. There are different plugin formats, such as VST and AU. We’ll explain this in more detail later but keep in mind that not all plugins will work in every DAW. 

Performance requirements

Finally, there’s the issue of CPU usage. Many modern VST synths are power-hungry beasts. After all, there’s a reason they can rival hardware in terms of sound quality. Make sure you’ve got a laptop for music production that is up-to-spec before spending money on a CPU vampire. Nothing kills the studio vibe like stuttering audio and drop outs.

Synthesis types

Every synthesizer, soft or hard, generates sound through a form of synthesis. Think of synthesis as sonic alchemy—the process by which raw sound gets transubstantiated into throbbing bass, searing leads, soft pads, or whooshy effects. Much like the many different kinds of chemical reactions in the world, there are a number of different ways for sound to come together. 

Virtual analog is traditionally the most popular form of synthesis for VST synths. This digitally mimics the real-world warmth and power of electricity coursing through a hardware synthesizer, like a Moog Minimoog or Roland Juno-60. This is also known as subtractive synthesis, as you start with a harmonically complex waveform and subtract frequencies and amplitude from it. 

FM, or Frequency Modulation, was the first major digital brand of synthesis to challenge analog. It involves waveforms (usually sine waves) modulating other waveforms to generate new harmonics. Yamaha’s DX7 rode FM synthesis into 1980s pop ubiquity. 

Wavetable synthesis starts with a sample that changes over time—for example, a bright brass patch that becomes progressively darker. This sample is called a wavetable and you have control over a number of parameters, such as playback position. Although this technology goes back to the late 1970s, it’s had a resurgence lately in modern music thanks to VST synths like Native Instruments’ Massive and Xfer Records’ Serum (see below). Other forms of synthesis include sample-based, granular, additive, physical modeling, and many more.

FAQs

A final word on selecting the best synth VSTs

• Best overall: Arturia Pigments
• Best free: Surge XT
• Best for beginners: Roland Cloud Juno-106
• Best for pros: Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
• Best analog: u-he Diva
• Best wavetable: Xfer Records Serum
• Best loop-based/best sampler/best ROMpler: Native Instruments Kontakt 7

There’s a vast world of incredible synth VSTs out there, no matter your musical style. While the sheer number of instruments on the market may initially seem overwhelming, the good news is that there are synths out there that will definitely work for you. You can also often try before you buy. Many offer free trial periods so you can make sure that the instrument will work with your genre and DAW/computer. Have fun and enjoy making music.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best synth VSTs of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Total Package		Native Instruments Komplete 13		SEE IT	A huge and well-rounded collection of time-tested synthesizers and effects, along with recent genre sounds, best purchased at this deeply discounted bundle price.
Mixing and Mastering		iZotope Music Production Suite 4		SEE IT	This wonderland for mixing and mastering music includes innovative AI tools for helping both beginners and professionals achieve results.
One-Stop Shop		Reason Studios Reason+		SEE IT	The flagship Reason 11 software works as both a plug-in and a standalone music workstation, and the Reason+ subscription includes all the instruments and effects, as well as weekly sound packs.

Music and technology are two constants in human society, so it’s fitting that most of today’s artists satisfy their creative drive and the public’s insatiable appetite for sound by making music on computers. The basic setup includes a digital audio workstation (DAW) program for recording and mixing tracks, which may come free with your computer or cost a few bucks. And those DAWs often offer generous toolkits. But producers with a vision should complement their DAW with the best music production software to suit their specific goals. Are you essentially a one-person show like Tyler, the Creator? Will you stay behind the scenes, mixing and mastering songs for the next Post Malones and Ariana Grandes of the world? What about writing musical scores? All those new Netflix shows aren’t going to compose music for themselves. Fortunately, there are outstanding music-creation software options for every artistic agenda. 

• Best overall: Native Instruments Komplete 13 
• Best for mixing and mastering: iZotope Music Production Suite 4 
• Best for synth addicts: Arturia V Collection
• Best for one-stop shoppers: Reason Studios Reason+
• Best for composers: EastWest ComposerCloud X 
• Best free: MeldaProduction MFreeFXBundle 

The best music production software: Reviews & Recommendations

In addition to complementing the built-in features of your DAW software of choice, the best music production software complements your creative goals as well. The number of interesting individual plug-ins and virtual instruments for music-making runs into the thousands, so rather than piecing them together one by one, some of the best music production software options bundle together cohesive groups of excellent professional plug-ins for much lower prices than purchasing them separately. Each product here is a winner, so choose according to your own situation.

Best overall: Native Instruments Komplete 13 

SEE IT

Germany’s Native Instruments was an early pioneer in integrating software instruments and sound effects into complete production suites. As its name implies, Komplete 13 ($599) supplies a comprehensive collection of 68 digital instruments, sounds, and processors for producing and mixing music. Thirty sample-based instruments outfit you with not only a full band’s worth of guitar, bass, drum, piano, and classic keyboard sounds, but also orchestral horns, strings, and the traditional instruments from cultures all around the world. More than a dozen synthesizer plug-ins cover recreations of classic synths and many synthesis styles, such as virtual analog and FM, and the Massive X wavetable synthesizers have been very influential in the worlds of dubstep and trap bangers. The REAKTOR modular environment lets you build instruments that haven’t existed previously.

Komplete 13 finishes off with something of almost everything in the realm of audio processing, including the Guitar Rig 6 suite of amplifier emulations and guitar-style effects, as well as a complement of reverb, delay, EQ, compressor, distortion, modulation, and other effects and dynamics plug-ins. Komplete 13 comes on a portable hard drive packing more than 36,000 sounds and 320GB of material. The high-end Komplete 13 Ultimate ($1,199) package adds another 50 instruments and effects and more than 500GB of additional audio material. Most of that comes in the form of orchestral and cinematic instruments providing brass, woodwinds, strings, mallet percussion, and complex soundscapes for modern professional scoring. All Komplete 13 plug-ins can operate within the included Komplete Kontrol software, which allows perfectly mapped hardware control from Native Instruments keyboard controllers such as the Komplete Kontrol A49 ($219) or S49 MK2 ($669). 

Best for mixing and mastering: iZotope Music Production Suite 4 

SEE IT

Audio plug-ins like the graphical waveform-based Nectar for vocal processing, Neutron for mixing, Ozone for mastering, and RX for audio cleanup and repair were already industry favorites before iZotope imbued them with machine-learning AI assistants. Now, the latest versions in Music Production Suite 4 come with “Assistant” functions that automatically perform certain audio processes based on your input and the analysis of a growing database of thousands, if not millions of other tracks. But don’t worry, you can change any of the automated suggestions they make, whether you want to tune-up or intentionally trash a frequency. Your creativity drives the process.

The music mixing software suite also includes Tonal Balance Control 2, another of iZotope’s AI-assisted breakthroughs, which works with all the Neutron and Ozone plug-ins within a DAW session and adjusts them to meet the optimal levels of 12 tonal balance zones based on the optimal levels for different musical genres or any of your chosen reference songs. Rounding out the suite are VocalSynth 2 for beautiful-to-bizarre vocal effects and vocoding, Insight 2 for detailed track metering, three professional reverb plug-ins, and Stutter Edit 2 for rhythmic effects.

All told, Music Production Suite 4 is the best place to start for musicians who want to try mixing and mastering their own music for distribution. If its upfront price of $999 is too steep and you’d rather pay a monthly subscription, iZotope’s Music Production Suite Pro ($24.99/month) gives you most of the products in the Music Production Suite 4, including all of the AI-assisted mixing and mastering products, with the added bonus of Melodyne Essential, which can perform the kind of vocal trickery popularized by T-Pain, Kanye, and Future.

Best for synth addicts: Arturia V Collection 9

SEE IT

Imagine a studio filled with the most famous vintage analog and digital synthesizers, organs, and electric pianos that fueled your favorite music from the ’70s to today: every Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock funk classic, every Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode synth-pop gem, and most of the glowstick-powered rave jams. When you wake up from that dream, feel good knowing that you can pack that fantasy studio into your laptop for $599 with the Arturia V Collection 9, a bundle of 32 instrument emulation plug-ins with a total of more than 14,000 preset sounds covering the best-loved timbres from beloved classic keyboards like Moog Minimoog analog synth, Yamaha DX-7 FM digital synth, the Hammond B-3 organ, Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos, Mellotron, and much more. Arturia’s KeyLab keyboard controllers, like the KeyLab MKII 49 ($499), are designed to seamlessly manipulate the vintage emulations in V Collection 8 with their knobs, buttons, faders, and pads.

Best for one-stop shoppers: Reason Studios Reason+

SEE IT

Since it added multitrack audio recording several versions back, Reason Studios Reason 11 really qualifies as full-fledged DAW software. But it stands out with its one-of-a-kind interface that arranges its analog-style mixer and all of its many instruments and effects into a fully configurable Rack, whose backside view allows you to connect and reconnect any of the individual devices together in infinitely creative configurations with virtual patch cords. Its unique, self-contained workflow and constantly expanding add-ons shop has made Reason a favorite among DIY music producers and songwriters since the dawn of the millennium. But these days Reason 11 is not only self-contained beat maker software but it also works as a plug-in workstation inside of any other major DAW software, allowing you to route whatever you’ve recorded through Reason’s expansive signal chain. With the Reason+ subscription ($19.99/month), subscribers get the Reason 11 standalone/plug-in workstation; 80 instrument, audio effect, MIDI effect, and audio utility devices; plus weekly sound pack downloads. The instruments comprise dozens of versatile, powerful, and fun synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines that when combined with the productivity-friendly Reason workflow, make up a musical laboratory perfect for discovering modern pop, hip-hop, and dancefloor-filling hits.  

Best for composers: EastWest ComposerCloud X

SEE IT

Like most areas in music and pro audio, scoring music for pictures (movies, TV, video games) is a hyper-competitive field where composers would do well to differentiate themselves. One possible way to do that is to use the absolute highest-quality sound libraries for composing with the most realistic and meticulously recorded samples of orchestral instruments available. Anyone can hear a stark difference in realism between the brass and strings instruments included with Apple Logic Pro X, for example, and those of a renowned company like Spitfire Audio, which constantly strives to make more comprehensive and realistic virtual instruments that run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars per title.

Even if composers of moderate means acquire a few libraries covering the basic orchestral needs, what do they do when they need something rarer like a sitar or a dulcimer? Enter EastWest, one of the first music-making software companies to embrace the subscription model for ComposerCloud X ($29.99/month), a collection of 70 orchestral, choir, and piano sound libraries all aimed squarely at professional scoring. In all, it grants access to more than 40,000 virtual instrument variations covering brass, woodwinds, strings, vocals, drums/percussion, guitars/bass, pianos/keyboard, and world/ethnic categories. EastWest, and its associated brand Quantum Leap, make some of the most revered products in the business and ComposerCloud X includes all newly released products as they come out, such as the recent Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition. 

Best free: MeldaProduction MFreeFXBundle

SEE IT

While all DAW software now comes with at least some stock plug-ins for adding audio effects or often-crucial dynamics processors like EQ and compression, not every DAW includes every type of plug-in. And sometimes the stock plug-ins are light on perks like visual representation audio waveforms in their interfaces. Also, every reverb, distortion, or other effect plug-in is unique in some way, and it can only help to collect a few of each kind and choose your favorites (without going overboard and neglecting the actual work of making music). MeldaProduction makes a vast array of quality instrument and effect plug-ins, but you can pick up 37 of its very useful products for no cost in its MFreeFXBundle.

There are no instrument plug-ins, but this is still the most generous free bundle available. Its plug-ins cover the effect bases with the essential reverb, compressor, distortion, flanger, phaser, filter, ring modulator, and more, but there are also more rare and very useful utilities that your DAW may not include. For example, there is a stereo image widener, an instrument tuner, pitch correction, a visual metronome, a text-editing notepad, and quite a bit more. Also unusual for free plug-ins, the MeldaProduction plug-ins provide waveform displays for almost every effect that deals with audio. For example, the MAutopan performs the programmed panning of a track from left to right in the stereo image, but you can also see and adjust the waveform of the panning oscillator visually. MFreeFXBundle limits you in certain ways—the biggest being the inability to save your own presets. However, you can upgrade the entire bundle to allow preset saving, resizing of the windows, and several other features by paying a whopping $59.  

What to consider when choosing the best music production software

Assuming you have DAW software, which is the foundation for production, this guide concentrates on the best music production collections of audio plug-ins to complement that main software. There are some options, like Reason Studios’ Reason, that actually function as both a plug-in and a standalone DAW, but we’re primarily going to look at the best music production software for specific use cases. 

If you’re in a band and your focus will be on mixing and mastering songs that are mostly recorded from instruments, there are packages that emphasize tone cleaning and sculpting plug-ins over virtual instrument plug-ins. If, on the other hand, you can’t get enough synthesizer sounds or are obsessed with ’80s-esque retro-wave music, there are very synthesizer-focused collections. Composers will use a lot of virtual instrument plug-ins but need sample libraries that are based on acoustic orchestras rather than otherworldly tones, and there are options for that.

Big plug-in collections are investments in your musical career, but you can opt to make that investment as a single upfront price or try one of the growing number of subscription music software packages. Subscriptions allow you to get started producing music now if you don’t have the budget for the full-priced software, and they give you the latest updates to everything. However, many people prefer to pay once and not think about it again, and not all the best music production software is available via subscription.  

If you’re using a hardware controller to work with your DAW software, that same hardware may be able to also give you seamless, hands-on control of your music production plug-ins, as well. Both Native Instruments and Arturia make keyboard controllers that come pre-mapped to work with their music production plug-ins and also offer control over many of the best DAW programs too. 

You keep mentioning DAW software. What, exactly, is it?

Digital audio workstation software is sophisticated, deeply featured software for recording, editing, arranging, and mixing multiple tracks of audio for music, movie/TV productions, podcasting, and so on. They’re names you likely recognize, including Ableton Live, Apple Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and Avid Pro Tools. Most DAWs also support multiple MIDI-note tracks, which use virtual instruments such as synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers. Along with that comes support for third-party effects and processing plug-ins, as well as external hardware controllers. The DAW is what you use for framing the song’s structure, while plug-ins are great for the detailing.

OK, so what should I know about plug-ins?

The plug-in software that DAWs support are individual programs that work inside of the DAW. The producer “plugs in” these programs to an audio or MIDI track in the DAW. Instrument plug-ins generate sound either as digital synthesizers or by triggering audio files such as drum sounds or sampled acoustic instruments. Effect plug-ins treat a DAW track’s audio to some form of processing, such as adding echo or filtering the audio frequencies. Other MIDI plug-ins, such as an arpeggiator, determine how notes are played back, and some plug-ins are strictly visual, such as frequency spectrum analyzers, which present a display of audio waveforms.

Most plug-ins must be used within a DAW program, but some also work as standalone software. There are several common plug-in formats—such as VST, AudioUnits, and AAX—and your DAW software must support a plug-in’s particular format to work with it. All the plug-in collections in this guide support multiple plug-in formats and both Mac and Windows computers, so they will work with all the major DAWs.

FAQs

The final word on the best music production software

• Best overall: Native Instruments Komplete 13 
• Best for mixing and mastering: iZotope Music Production Suite 4 
• Best for synth addicts: Arturia V Collection
• Best for one-stop shoppers: Reason Studios Reason+
• Best for composers: EastWest ComposerCloud X 
• Best free: MeldaProduction MFreeFXBundle 

There are so many amazing music plug-ins for using inside your DAW to polish your songs into professional-sounding gems. Choosing the best music production software for you, therefore, comes down to factors other than just quality: your budget, your musical or pro audio focus, and even the compatibility of a plug-in collection with your music controller hardware. If you’re not sure, trying one month at a time of a subscription could help you narrow it down to your final choice. Just make sure you don’t sign up for a yearly commitment if you do that. You’ll soon discover that the biggest drawback to some of these plug-in collections is not enough hours in the day to enjoy them.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best music production software of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Conquer the language you’ve always wanted to learn or give the gift of knowledge to a friend with a lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning (all languages), now price-dropped to only $149.97 (reg. $599) through Oct. 23.

Babbel, a widely praised language-learning platform that has supported millions of users worldwide, is offering a limited-time offer on its lifetime subscription encompassing all its languages. This exclusive deal is the perfect time to finally learn that language you’ve wanted to take on or to get a head start on holiday shopping.

This platform has been recognized as the “Most Innovative Company in Education” by Fast Company, and rightfully so. With Babbel, you can enhance your cognitive abilities and learn a new skill at your convenience using its bite-sized, comprehensive lessons that fit into your hectic schedule. Whether you’re beginning to learn a new language or looking to refine your existing skills, seize this time-limited opportunity to maximize your savings on this top-rated application.

Explore a world of possibilities with access to all 14 languages, such as Spanish, French, Italian, German, and more. Unlock the potential to acquire valuable lessons, enabling you to master new skills and even pick up a second or third language. The beauty of it is that you can study at your own pace with lifetime access.

Babbel provides over 10,000 hours of practical learning exercises, cutting-edge speech recognition technology to enhance pronunciation, and personalized review sessions to reinforce learning. Additionally, you can utilize Babbel’s offline mode to access pre-downloaded lessons without an internet connection, enabling you to learn at your convenience, anywhere and anytime.

The app’s success is reflected in its remarkable user base of over 10 million worldwide, and it proudly holds an outstanding 4.6 out of 5-star rating on the App Store. What are you waiting for? Embark on the journey of learning a new language with more incredible intuitiveness.

Access a lifetime Babbel (All Languages) subscription today for only $149.97 (reg. $599). You’ll need to act fast because this special offer ends October 23 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Prices subject to change.

The post Get the leading language learning subscription Babbel for only $149.97 during this exclusive deal appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for large rooms		Mila Smart Air Purifier		SEE IT	This all-purpose smart air purifier adapts to room size and comes with a carbon monoxide detector and sleep and white noise modes.
Best HEPA		Coway Tower True HEPA Air Purifier		SEE IT	This HEPA model features four layers of filtration in a stylish design.
Best for allergies		InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier		SEE IT	Certified to keep you safe from dangerous levels of ozone gas.

Air purifiers suck in pollen, dust, smoke, other allergens, and even viruses—pummeling them and then circulating clean, filtered air. It sounds simple enough, but not all purifiers are created equal, and there isn’t one that’s right for every person. Your particular environment and the size of your home are huge factors in choosing the best option for you. Is allergy season wreaking havoc on your sinuses? Do you live in a smoggy city? Has wildfire smoke been wafting through, blanketing everything in an unnatural haze? In short, even the finest filters aren’t guaranteed to fix all that ails you and your home. But if you’re wondering whether air purifiers are really worth it … we think so. They can help distribute cleaner air, and that’s always a good thing, considering the link between air quality and health. So, read on as we clear the air on what we think are the best air purifiers.

• Best overall: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde
• Best for large rooms: Mila Smart Air Purifier
• Best for small rooms: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Bedroom
• Best for quiet: Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max
• Best HEPA: Coway Tower True HEPA Air Purifier
• Best with UV light: Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier
• Best for allergies: InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier
• Best for smoke: Alen BreatheSmart 75i
• Best portable: WYND Smart Plus Personal Portable Air Purifier
• Best budget: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home, Core 300

How we chose the best air purifiers

As pet owners and parents, we’ve experienced our fair share of smells and toxins—and that’s just from inside the house. To create this list of the best air purifiers, we relied on peer recommendations, critical reviews, online research, user impressions, and plentiful personal testing. We also examined what each air purifier claims to eliminate from the air, HEPA square footage, and MERV ratings.

The best air purifiers: Reviews & Recommendations

Pollen, pet dander, smells, smoke, germs, and other airborne goblins are no match for the best air purifiers. This list includes quiet air purifiers, ones that double as humidifiers, and even ones that claim they can help with a majority of airborne pathogens.

Best overall: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This three-in-one smart device automatically adapts to changes in air quality and humidity.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 400 square feet
• Dimensions: 36.66 x 11.02 x 12.23 inches
• App connectivity: Yes
• Max decibels (dB): 59.8 dB

Pros

• Connectivity with Siri and Alexa
• Three products in one
• Air quality reporting

Cons

• Expensive

Between its TikTok- and Insta-famous Airwrap multistyler to its line of powerful vacuums, Dyson has made a name for itself in sucking—which we don’t mean negatively. The Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde proves yet again that Sir James Dyson really knows what he’s doing when it comes to pushing air out and in. This air purifier uses an intelligent sensing system and Air Multiplier technology to purify, humidify, and cool the air. You don’t even need to touch the stylish, distinctive unit—it automatically senses and reacts to changes in air quality and humidity (we’ve watched one enthusiastically spring to life time and time again after a particularly aggressive sauté session in the kitchen). It even features a solid-state sensor to detect and destroy formaldehyde emitted by household items—a boon if you’re in a newly renovated/refurbished space, as fresh carpet and new mattresses are emitting odd things.

You don’t have to worry about airborne baddies getting re-released into the air since the entire purifier-humidifier is fully sealed to the HEPA H13 standard. If you love numbers, neat tech, and data, this machine will tickle your brain when it reports your air quality in real time on the LCD screen and DysonLink app (which you can use to tweak/schedule usage). The filters are low-maintenance and easy to replace, and the machine features a deep-clean cycle to get rid of mineral build-up and bacteria that may be lurking in the water system. Although it’s almost $1,000, you’re getting three devices for the cost of one. Talk about smart.

Best for large rooms: Mila Smart Air Purifier

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This mold- and carbon monoxide-detecting air purifier comes in different filter configurations for custom air purification.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 1,000 square feet 
• Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 15 inches
• App connectivity: Yes
• Max decibels (dB): 62 dB but lowers to 24 dB while in room

Pros

• Stylist
• Small
• Carbon monoxide, mold detection, and white noise machine built-in

Cons

• Reviews note excessive air quality notifications

This classy, app-controllable large room air purifier adapts to the size of whatever room it’s placed in. It also looks great in any room it’s placed in. The filter has 45 square feet of HEPA, and with 447 CADR, it’s effective in rooms up to 1,000 square feet. Additional features include a sleep mode and white noise so that it won’t interfere with your sleeping habits. The device also features a carbon monoxide detector. It will monitor your room’s humidity and let you know if it detects any mold. If you’re not a fan of notifications, disable them if you go with the Mila—reviewers note that the Mila app sends lots of alerts.

Best for small rooms: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Bedroom

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Take this lightweight, compact air purifier from room to room to experience dual-filter, three-stage filtration in your entire home.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 161 square feet
• Dimensions: 6.69 x 6.69 x 10.43 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 52 dB

Pros

• Aromatherapy
• Dual-filter, three-stage filtration
• Specifically targets hay fever

Cons

• Not for large homes

The Levoit promises to help relieve allergies, congestion, and sneezing and is our pick for the best small air purifier. Although we can’t vouch for the unit’s specific efficacy against rhinitis, we can vouch for the fact that it has three filters (one more than most other units): HEPA for dust, pollen, and dander; carbon for odors; and polyester for lint and hair. One fun additional feature is that this one has an aromatherapy option if you’d like a little lavender to help lull you to sleep at night.

Best for quiet: Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Particles down to .1 microns are no match for this quiet-but-powerful air purifier.

Specs

• Recommended room size: Up to 929 square feet
• Dimensions: 19 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches
• App connectivity: Yes
• Max decibels (dB): 50 dB

Pros

• Removes particles down to .1 micron
• Stylish
• App connectivity

Cons

• Reviews note occasional problems with auto-sensing

Blueair makes svelte cylinders with Scandinavian style packed with highly effective electrostatic and mechanical filtration. The Blue Pure 311i Max is HEPASilent but deadly … against microbes in the air. This stylish, small air purifier features five fan speeds and a one-touch auto mode with a fine particles (PM 2.5) sensor to monitor concentration and adjust speed according. This air purifier can clean a 387-square-foot room in 12.5 minutes and a 929-square-foot space in 30 minutes (there are both larger and smaller models, so something for every home). And, it snags all those particles (99.97% of them down to 0.1 micron) all nearly undetected, clocking in at 23 dB on low/night mode—louder than a quiet natural area with no wind but softer than a whisper. And it never runs above 50dB, which makes it QuietMark certified and perfect for a bedroom, TV room, any room … plus it’s only 8 pounds, so it’s easy to move around while you decide between your study and your yoga studio (or realize it’s easiest to buy two).

Is it working? We barely hear it. But we also don’t hear ourselves sneezing and wheezing and complaining about our watery eyes, so we’re going with yes. If we need more confirmation, we can look at a five-color LED that changes according to Air Quality Index (AQI), or we can reference an app that gives insight into indoor vs. outdoor pollution and lets you control mode, tweak LED Brightness, set a schedule, and more (assuming the 311i Max and your phone are connected to WiFi). And if we don’t want it to be working, Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility let us turn it off with voice commands if our phone isn’t convenient. While some reviews note that the auto-sensing feature is not as accurate as they hoped, we’ve observed the Blue Pure 311i Max react firsthand thanks to a low smoke-point cooking oil incident or two. It was lively even from across a loft apartment—and helped with the post-coming odors. And the washable pre-filter fabric cover (shown above in “Stockholm Fog” color, quietly complementing some audio-video gear) meshed effortlessly with the decor to boot.

Best HEPA: Coway Tower True HEPA Air Purifier

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Stylish-meets-powerful with this True HEPA air purifier that features four levels of filtration.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 330 square feet
• Dimensions: 10.5 × 32.7 × 10.7 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 52 dB

Pros

• Real-time air sensing
• Washable pre-filter
• Air quality indicator

Cons

• Noisier compared to other air purifiers

Multiple fan speeds, a timer, an air-quality assessor, and a filter-replacement indicator light make this the best HEPA air purifier—not just quiet and effective, but user-friendly. At just under $200, it’s neither cheap nor exorbitant for an air purifier, and it’s also aesthetically pleasing. Reviewers note that this air purifier is noisier than most.

Best with UV light: Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This quiet air purifier uses CARB-compliant UVC light and titanium dioxide to reduce airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 153 square feet
• Dimensions: 10.25 x 6.75 x 21.5 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 61.2 dB

Pros

• Quiet
• Reduces odors
• Pre-filter traps allergens

Cons

• UV light can be bad for the environment

UVC light (the most destructive of all the UVs) in an air purifier works as a UVGI—ultraviolet germicidal irradiation—disinfection method by attacking the DNA of cells floating through the air, like mold spores, viruses, and bacteria. (This means, like all other filters, it cannot do anything for particles that have settled into fabric). An activated charcoal filter reduces odors. The 22-inch purifier filters air four times per hour at maximum speed in rooms up to 153 square feet. The four fan speeds, whisper-quiet operation, and CARB compliance make this air purifier an especially good pick for allergy sufferers. California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliance means you can rest easy about its environmental footprint.

Best for allergies: InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: CARB compliance plus four levels of air purification equals an exorcism for your sneezes.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 319 square feet
• Dimensions: 12.34 x 6.25 x 17.75 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 55 dB

Pros

• Four fan speeds
• Quiet
• CARB compliant

Cons

• No auto-sensing

The four fan speeds, whisper-quiet operation, and CARB compliance make this air purifier an especially good pick for allergy sufferers. The California Air Resources Board requires purifiers to produce .050 parts per million of ozone or less, so any device with this certification keeps you safe from unsafe gas levels.

Best for smoke: Alen BreatheSmart 75i

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Detailed air quality indicators, a B7-Pure filter, and a CADR of 347 mean that this air purifier will stop smoke in its tracks.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 1300 square feet
• Dimensions: 12 x 19 x 27 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 51 dB

Pros

• 8 colorways
• Quickly cleans large rooms
• Auto-adjusts based on air quality

Cons

• Expensive
• Little warranty

This is an easy pick for the best air purifier for smoke, thanks to its CADR of 347 (out of 450). Thanks to automatic air-quality detection, when any type of smoke is present, the unit will kick up to turbo. When no irritants are present, the device goes into energy-saving mode. Five air quality colors give you a more detailed visual indicator of air quality—other air purifiers only include three color indicators.

Best portable: WYND Smart Plus Personal Portable Air Purifier

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Take clean air onto the airplane or into the office with this water bottle-sized air purifier developed by NASA and MIT engineers.

Specs

• Recommended room size: N/A
• Dimensions: 9.57 x 8.62 x 4.33 inches
• App connectivity: Yes
• Max decibels (dB): 55 dB

Pros

• Small
• iOS/Android app
• Medical-grade filter

Cons

• Expensive for size

This small-but-mighty air purifier designed by NASA and MIT engineers fits in a cup holder and can purify the air in a car in under 15 minutes—that’s eight liters of air per second. And that comes in handy in a world of wildfires and other pollutants you might encounter as you travel—something we know from experience, as one accompanied three passengers in a Honda CR-V through the smoke-heavy American West during fall 2021. And, if you like numbers, the WYND air purifier connects to an iOS/Android app to track real-time hyperlocalized data on dust and other particulates. It also enables you to switch between different purifier presets, like auto and night, control other WYND devices, and alerts you when encountering poor air quality. The included desktop kickstand accessory lets you position the air purifier to direct a clean bubble toward your face (as shown above), giving your nose and lungs instant access to medical-grade filtered air in an office or elsewhere.

Best budget: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home, Core 300

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This compact air purifier tackles smoke, dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses without hurting your wallet.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 219 square feet
• Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.7 x 16.25 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 50 dB

Pros

• Filter life indicator
• Timer
• Quiet

Cons

• Louder than other air purifiers

This cheap air purifier targets smoke, dust, and pollen, along with some bacteria and viruses. Four specialty replacement filters include a pet-allergy option and a toxin absorber for particularly smoky or smoggy areas. Like higher-end air purifiers that are more expensive, this Levoit air purifier features timer settings and a sleep mode. And the display lights can be turned off to ensure a pitch-black room when sleeping. Although the air purifier is louder than some competitors, it resembles a whooshing fan at its highest setting—if you can deal with that, this air purifier is for you.

What to consider when buying the best air purifiers

The best air purifier for you might not be the one your best friend or neighbor loves. You want a HEPA filter with a high MERV rating that’s designed to cover the amount of space you have in your particular room or dwelling. Beyond that, consider whether you want other features like pathogen-killing UV light, smart controls, and/or odor elimination. Do you need the best air purifier for pets or perhaps something portable? Air purifiers for mold or models to get rid of smoke? Air filters work only on airborne particles. To get at anything that’s settled into upholstery or rugs, you’ll need a handy vacuum, a helpful robot, or something else that offers deep-clean suction.

Size of space

There’s an alphabet soup to make sense of when choosing the best air purifier for your home. ACH (air changes per hour) correlates to the airflow of your device. It’s calculated based on the volume of your space, ceiling height, and how many cubic feet per minute the device can cover. It’s independent of other factors, e.g., the filter’s efficacy—to calculate that you need the CADR (clean air delivery rate) rating; because a HEPA filter is more efficient, its CADR rating may be lower, which is deceptive.

The most important thing to note is that an air purifier’s efficacy cannot be calculated based on square footage alone. You can find handy calculators online to determine the proper purifier for your needs, but here’s what to consider with any device: Will it successfully rid your home of odors with carbon or other comparable filters? Is it a good choice for pet owners? Does it feature UV light? Read the fine print.

HEPA

You’ve likely heard of high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters. They are a type of pleated air filter that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, “can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of .3 microns.” The smaller the particle, the more penetrating and nefarious it can be. So when you’re shopping for air purifiers, check out their filters’ MERV (minimum efficiency reporting values) rating. The higher the MERV rating, the better it is at trapping the tiniest particles.

Suppose it’s the coronavirus that has you shopping for purifiers. In that case, it should be said that though a HEPA filter should be able to catch a virus of that size, there’s no conclusive proof that an air purifier can kill airborne COVID-19-carrying air droplets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that any room housing a coronavirus patient “should be exhausted directly to the outside, or be filtered through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter directly before recirculation.”

If your main concern about your indoor air quality is lingering food or cigarette smoke odors, make sure the model you’re considering specifically targets fumes and other volatile organic compounds. HEPA filters aren’t good at eliminating odors on their own.

The HEPA filter was initially designed to capture radioactive particles when the atomic bomb was being developed because it can capture 99.97 percent of particles as small as .3 microns, which can evade other types of filters. (This is sometimes referred to as “true HEPA,” as European HEPA standards are required to trap only 85 percent of particles.) It works by ensnaring, sieving, and rerouting irritating particles.

A HEPA air purifier is considered the gold standard, but it does have limitations. Any particle smaller than .3 microns—for example, some viruses and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like aerosols, ammonia, and other toxins—will slip right through. Changing your filter often enough is key. A HEPA filter does a great job of capturing mold. If you don’t change the filter, the purifier can redistribute that mold back into the air.

Allergies

The best air purifiers for allergies depend on what your particular triggers are because different filters work on different-sized particles. Pet hair and pollen are large particles, dust is medium-sized, and smoke is small. A combination HEPA-carbon filter is your best bet for filtering the maximum number of irritants to help reduce your allergies.

The addition of an ionizer and UV light, if you’re comfortable with it, adds a belt to your proverbial suspenders. Because UV light does create ozone particles, we recommend choosing an air purifier with UV light that’s approved for sale in California.

Smoke

Pollutants—like smoke and soot—can aggravate asthma, irritate your eyes, and stress your lungs and heart. An intuitive HEPA purifier with multiple fan speeds, maximum air circulation, and zero ozone output is the best one for allergy sufferers and people who are sensitive to smoke. The best air purifiers for smoke have a higher CADR rating. This means your device will be better at eliminating smoke and its odor, whether you’re talking about cigarettes, cannabis, or wildfires.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best air purifiers

• Best overall: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde
• Best for large rooms: Mila Smart Air Purifier
• Best for small rooms: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Bedroom
• Best for quiet: Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max
• Best HEPA: Coway Tower True HEPA Air Purifier
• Best with UV light: Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier
• Best for allergies: InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier
• Best for smoke: Alen BreatheSmart 75i
• Best portable: WYND Smart Plus Personal Portable Air Purifier
• Best budget: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home, Core 300

In almost every category, the best air purifiers have a true HEPA filter and a carbon filter. Together, they get you the most coverage regarding the breadth of pollutants the purifier will attack. Beyond that, the most important qualities are energy efficiency and picking the right model for the size of your room. Everything else—design, whether the device is app-enabled, UV lighting—is just gravy.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best air purifiers for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Donner 39-inch Electric Guitar with Case		SEE IT	It strikes the ideal harmony between advanced features and affordable pricing.
Best value		Epiphone Power Player Les Paul		SEE IT	Solid construction and excellent pickups make this a great guitar to grow into.
Best kit		Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster Bundle		SEE IT	Get everything you need to start playing in one convenient box.

Learning an instrument can be expensive, but a cheap electric guitar can provide a great place to start. In this case, “cheap” doesn’t mean “bad.” Many well-known guitar brands have specific budget- and beginner-friendly lines for players just starting out. These lines often share major characteristics and similar hardware of professional guitars in higher price brackets. A cheap electric guitar also means you won’t dump too much money into your new (and potentially fleeting) hobby if you decide that you’re not ready for the rockstar lifestyle. Shred some power chords—not the cash in your wallet—with the best electric guitars. 

• Best overall: Donner 39-inch Electric Guitar
• Best for beginners: Fender Squire Sonic Stratocaster Electric Guitar
• Best for metal: Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA-M Electric Guitar
• Best kit: Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster Limited Edition Bundle
• Best value: Epiphone Power Player Les Paul

How we chose the best cheap electric guitars 

We don’t mean to brag, but many of the PopSci Gear team know a thing or two about guitars. Although we’ve been in plenty of bands, we’ve also been beginners ourselves. We combined our personal experience with recommendations from professional music pals. We also heavily researched reviews from trusted sources to narrow our picks. To make sure each guitar was truly cheap, we capped prices at $300. Only one guitar on this list exceeds that range, but we had very good reason to make an exception, which we’ll explain.

The best cheap electric guitars: Reviews & Recommendations

From short-lived high school bands formed in garages to far-away travel gigs where you don’t want to bring your prized, expensive guitar on a budget airline, a cheap guitar can be a valuable addition to your guitar stand or rack. One of our choices should help you live out your rockstar dreams. 

Best overall: Donner 39-inch Electric Guitar

SEE IT

Specs

• Body: Solid alder, gloss polyester finish
• Scale length: 25.5 inches
• Fretboard: Laurel, 9.5-inch radius, 22 medium-jumbo frets
• Accessories: Gig bag, guitar strap, guitar cable

Pros

• Includes accessories
• Classic style
• Versatile single-coil and humbucker pickups

Cons

• Need proper set-up for long-term playability

The Donner DST-400 is the ideal vision for what we want in a cheap electric guitar. It’s budget-friendly, but its solid body and reliable production quality control allow it to last well past your early stages. It includes both single-coil and humbucker pickups to play a wide range of styles, and its classic design means it will never go out of style. It feels great to play and is ready to go right out of the box. 

It also includes basic accessories to get you started: A gig bag, a guitar strap, and a guitar cable. You’ll need to upgrade your amp after the beginner stages, but there’s no better deal than this Donner. 

Best for beginners: Fender Squire Sonic Stratocaster Electric Guitar

SEE IT

Specs

• Body: Poplar
• Scale length: 25.5 inches
• Fretboard: Maple, 9.5-inch radius, 21 narrow tall frets
• Accessories: No

Pros

• Well-built for price
• Feels good in hands
• Recognizable body

Cons

• Doesn’t come with accessories

The Stratocaster is one of the music scene’s most iconic and recognizable guitars. You’re in good company if you pick one up, too. Greats like Buddy Holly, George Harrison, and Jimi Hendrix have called the Stratocaster their choice guitar. Beginners can get in on the fun without shelling out too much cash with Fender’s Squire line, which gives you a reliable instrument made with low cost in mind. Its thin, lightweight body and matte neck feel good in your hands, and it has a similar feel and tone to more expensive Strats. Experienced players will hear the difference in pickups: This one comes with ceramic single-coil pickups, while a traditional Strat comes with alnico (short for aluminum, nickel, and cobalt) pickups. But to a newcomer, it’s a solid guitar that punches above its price point. 

Best for metal: Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA-M Electric Guitar

SEE IT

Specs

• Body: Solid basswood
• Scale length: 25.5 inches
• Fretboard: Maple, 12” compound radius, 24 jumbo frets
• Accessories: No

Pros

• Big tone for low price
• Ready to play out of the box
• Quality construction

Cons

• A bit more expensive than our other choices

If you’re looking for a guitar that doesn’t cost much but shreds a lot, this is the one for you. The neck is comfortable even when playing fast, speedy passages and its lightweight body doesn’t drag you down over the course of a set. Its solid construction holds up well for years and years, and it’s another choice that plays above its price. It’s playable out of the box and sounds punchy and vicious. It’s more expensive than our other picks, but only by $100. We think its design made for shredding is worth that extra dough.

Best kit: Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster Limited Edition Bundle

SEE IT

Specs

• Body: Poplar
• Scale length: 25.5 inches
• Fretboard: Maple, 9.5-inch radius, 21 medium-jumbo frets
• Accessories: 10G amplifier, gig bag, instrument cable, tuner, strap, picks, and instructional DVD

Pros

• Comes with an instructional DVD
• Lots of bonus accessories
• Incredible price for what you get

Cons

• Reviews note some items from bundle are missing from order

This kit is a one-stop solution if you want to buy a guitar but don’t know where to start. The Fender Squire Affinity Stratocaster is the next price step up from the Sonic series, and the medium jumbo frets make for smooth playing. The amp is perfect for practicing at home, and the included instructional DVD means you don’t have to shell out cash for lessons. Some reviews note that their order arrived incomplete; the same reviews also noted that the seller is responsive and happily sends any missing items.

Best value: Epiphone Power Player Les Paul

SEE IT

Specs

• Body: Mahogany
• Scale length: 22.73 inches
• Fretboard: Laurel, 12-inch radius, 22 frets
• Accessories: Gig bag, strap, picks, guitar cable

Pros

• Small scale
• Iconic guitar
• Stays in tune longer

Cons

• Not great for someone looking for longevity

The Les Paul is an iconic guitar named and created by Les Paul, a prolific jazz, country, and blues guitar player. The Les Paul guitar is one of the most versatile guitars. It can tackle rock, blues, and jazz and is perfect if you’re looking for a full and resonant sound. This one comes from Gibson’s Epiphone line, which is similar to Fender’s Squire line. It’s a great size for youths and makes for a great travel guitar for more experienced players. It has a comfortable neck and stays in tune longer compared to other student models. Plus, humbucker pickups make even the easiest of chords sound rich, warm, and heavenly. This is a guitar made with students in mind, so it might need to be replaced as the player grows. 

What to consider when buying the best cheap electric guitars

Not all axes are made the same. Here’s what to look for when shopping for the best cheap electric guitars. 

Scale length

Scale length is the distance between the nut of the guitar and the bridge. Shorter scales can be good for younger players who don’t have large enough hands for bigger instruments. A normal scale for a guitar is around 25 inches. However, guitars with a shorter scale have less string tension, which is a recipe for fret buzzing (when the note sounds “fuzzy” because you’re not pressing hard enough on the string) and intonation problems. 

The fret distance on a 25.5-inch scale guitar only differs about a thousandth of an inch from that of a 24.75-inch scale guitar. That may not sound like much, but the difference is noticeable for players. At the end of the day, it matters that the guitar feels right in your hands, and choosing the right scale helps with that. 

Pickups

Without pickups, your electric guitar would just be a quiet, terrible-sounding acoustic. These magnetic components sit under the strings and convert the vibrations from the strings into electrical current and eventually sound.

Single-coil and humbuckers (double coil) are the most well-known designs of pickups:

• Single coil: Brighter, crisper, work better with clean sounds, more note definition between strings.
• Humbuckers: Warmer, darker, work better with distorted sounds, less note definition between strings. 

Pickups generate two kinds of voltage:

• Passive: Generates voltage with magnets only. Guitars with passive pickups are generally cheaper and create more expression because they’re sensitive to the vibration of the strings. 
• Active: Generates voltage with weaker magnets that are supported by a preamp. Greater tonal clarity. They create more tonal consistency at different volumes.

Versatility

Different guitars generate different timbres (the quality of the note), which suit specific genres. You can always change the sound with the pedals on your pedalboard, but some tones come inherent to the guitar. A Fender Stratocaster is great for rock, pop, blues, jazz, punk, and heavy metal. A Gibson Les Paul is excellent for rock, country, pop, soul, and rhythm and blues.

Fretboard radius

The lower a fretboard’s radius, the more curve it has. Predictably, a higher number translates into a flatter fretboard. Why does that matter? It all goes back to how the guitar feels in your hands. Choosing a fretboard radius is based on preference. Some musicians think curved fretboards are better for chords, while others feel flatter fretboards help them with bar chords.

Player experience

You don’t need to look too deep into things like pickups if you’re a beginner. However, you can save more bang for your buck if you look for a guitar that’s great for beginners and can grow with you as you improve as a musician. The Donner 39-inch Electric Guitar is an example of a beginner-friendly guitar that’s cheap and won’t need to be replaced after a year or two of learning. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best cheap electric guitars 

• Best overall: Donner 39-inch Electric Guitar
• Best for beginners: Fender Squire Sonic Stratocaster Electric Guitar
• Best for metal: Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA-M Electric Guitar
• Best kit: Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster Limited Edition Bundle
• Best value: Epiphone Power Player Les Paul

If you want to learn to play guitar but don’t want to spend a lot of money, consider a cheap electric guitar. They’re perfect for beginners who may not want to invest a ton of cash into a new hobby, or for those who want to learn guitar on a budget. Many guitar makers have specific, beginner-friendly lines that are easy on your wallet—just add a stand and a practice amp and you’re set. Now get to practicing, you rockstar. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best cheap electric guitars for shredding in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System		SEE IT	Comes with everything you need for security inside and outside your home.
Best customer service		Ring Alarm Pro, 14-Piece		SEE IT	Talk to a real person and get your questions answered fast.
Best budget		Tolviviov Wi-Fi Door Alarm System		SEE IT	Easy to use for people of all technical skill levels.

If you’re worried about crime impacting your household, it makes perfect sense to buy one of the many smart home security systems that have popped up over the past few years. However, with abundance comes analysis paralysis. To what system should the savvy, safety-conscious consumer turn? We investigated the market to bring you the best smart home security systems so you can pick the best choice for your living situation and loved ones.

• Best overall: SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System
• Best customer service: Ring Alarm Pro, 14-Piece
• Best monitoring: ADT 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
• Best modular: Wyze Home Security Core Kit
• Most compatible: Abode Security System Starter Kit
• Best budget: Tolviviov Wi-Fi Door Alarm System

How we chose the best smart home security systems

While nearly every product you buy enters your home at some point, there is something particularly intimate about inviting in a smart home security system. Unlike shoes—something that only needs to function well enough when called upon—your smart home security system needs to function perfectly 24/7/365. That’s why one of the bigger ranking factors this time was brand satisfaction. Cybersecurity and data protection were other key factors because, while less is often more, in the world of security more really is more. You’re only as strong as your weakest entry point.

This guide was compiled after many hours of careful research; facts and opinions were cross-examined by editors. Ordinary users were asked about their experiences using these devices, and we interacted with customer service agents throughout the course of compiling this guide. Each company’s personal website and plan information were thoroughly checked for the most up-to-date service plan information possible.

The best smart home security systems: Reviews & Recommendations

Our selection of smart home security systems comes from a wide variety of well-known and trusted brands with a broad array of attached services. While kits differ, they all typically include sensors for your doors and/or windows and an alerting mechanism. One of our picks is sure to match your budget and lifestyle.

Best overall: SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The SimpliSafe 10-Piece system is a very complete kit that starts the security before your door is opened.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 4 door/window sensors, 2 motion sensors, 1 indoor camera, 1 outdoor camera
• 24/7 professional monitoring: $28/mo. (Optional)
• Smart protocols: N/A, but Alexa- and Nest-compatible

Pros

• Outdoor cam so your security starts before an intruder enters your home
• Comes with one free month of 24/7 professional monitoring service
• The variety of parts gives you a more complete sense of security
• Optics and branding

Cons

• Must learn to set up each part correctly

If you’re looking for a system that is essentially complete directly out of the box, the SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System is the kit for you. It includes a variety of sensors and indoor and outdoor cameras, meaning you should feel fully protected in your home. While each piece is easy to install in and of itself, you’ll have to learn and think about the placement of each part—however, you’ll be able to handle it on your own if you can handle a strip of 3M tape or a screwdriver. Let’s review each part individually to get a good picture of how they will function together in your home:

The SimpliSafe base can hold up to 100 SimpliSafe security devices and is the central hub for your equipment. It is also capable of emitting a 95dB alarm. The push-button keypad lets you arm and disarm the system with a PIN. Having four entry point door/window sensors will allow you to protect the primary entryways to your home, while the two motion sensors—which are designed to be pet friendly and decorative—protect the areas of your home with too many entry points or windows.

What makes the SimpliSafe 10-piece system better than the 12-piece version is the inclusion of both an indoor and an outdoor camera. Suppose you’re used to the grainy, near-worthless security cam footage often seen in local news coverage. In that case, you’ll be particularly happy with the full colors, 1080p quality, and night vision offered by SimpliSafe. For those concerned with privacy, the indoor camera comes with a stainless steel shutter, so you won’t have to worry about having your private moments enter someone’s data tables.

Finally, the package set comes with an official SimpliSafe flag that declares your home protected by SimpliSafe. While no one can guarantee that this will deter all criminals, there will be at least a few that will back down.

Best customer service: Ring Alarm Pro, 14-Piece

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Go from dialing a number to “Hello” in 1 minute, 18 seconds.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 8 door/window sensors, 2 motion sensors
• 24/7 professional monitoring: Between $4-$20/mo. (Optional)
• Smart protocols: Z-wave

Pros

• Fantastic phone technical support
• Dual keypads for increased flexibility
• Provides range extender for large homes
• Multiple 24/7 monitoring plans to choose from

Cons

• Overhyped WiFi functionality

The Ring Alarm Pro 14-Piece set has fantastic customer service and is a great smart home security system for larger homes. Its impressive networking and dual keypad design (some home security systems only allow for one keypad) allow for larger coverage areas than some of the best smart home security systems. With customizable ringtones, you’ll always know which door is being opened in your home. The Ring Alarm Pro even comes with Wi-Fi 6 functionality via its hub. This feature is handy but gets a bit overhyped, sometimes eclipsing what counts—there are better Wi-Fi 6 routers out there.

What should you get excited about with the Ring Alarm Pro? A very approachable DIY setup where a real human is there to help you quickly. After just a few button taps to specify exactly what we wanted, we could—right here, right now—contact a customer service agent 1 minute and 18 seconds after dialing Ring’s customer service.

Best monitoring: ADT 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: ADT is amongst the most experienced and best professional monitoring companies.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Intermediate
• Sensors: 4 door/window sensors, 1 motion detector 
• 24/7 professional monitoring: $19.99/mo. (Optional)
• Smart protocols: Z-wave

Pros

• Highly experienced monitoring team
• Perfect size for families
• Optics and branding

Cons

• Occasional installation snags
• Only works in the U.S.

The ADT 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System is all you need to get started with the highly regarded ADT security model. It’s a brand that takes itself seriously, providing a yard sign to let customers proudly display their security status on the lawn. Sure, it is part marketing, but it’s also part confidence in the ADT name alone being able to ward off potential neighborhood thieves.

The package itself includes door/window sensors and a motion sensor, with the kit being targeted to owners of two- or three-bedroom homes. While not difficult, installing the sensors can take some time as you manually pair and label each one within your system. You can install them using the included adhesive backing or a more traditional screw-in technique. The time investment should feel closer to “weekend project” than “plug’n’play” for the typical first-time user.

When combined with the optional professional monitoring from ADT, it can almost feel as if you have a dedicated housesitter while you’re away.

Best modular: Wyze Home Security Core Kit

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Wyze’s Home Security Core Kit is just that, a quality core kit that can be easily added to as needed.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 2 door/window sensors, 1 motion sensor
• 24/7 professional monitoring: $9.99/mo
• Smart protocols: N/A

Pros

• Very affordable and complete starter kit
• Comes with three months of free professional monitoring
• Can easily add on more sensors or cameras
• Guided setup via Wyze app

Cons

• Service plan essential
• Only works in U.S.

If you prefer to wade through new technology instead of diving directly into the deep end, the Wyze Home Security Core Kit will be the best smart home security system for you. For starters, the core kit itself is very affordable, covers two entry points plus a room of your choice, and provides months of complimentary professional monitoring service to give you a taste of how Wyze works.

Once you’ve decided how much you like the system, you can start adding more components immediately. Finish off the rest of your home’s entry points with more door/window sensors, or transform your setup into a video surveillance system by adding a Wyze cam. Leak and home climate sensors are also available.

The modularity, as well as the stick-on setup guided by the Wyze app, gives the Wyze Home Security Core Kit a very DIY air to it. You can be confident that you, by yourself, should be able to install it. Unfortunately, the rugged individualism this inspires is dropped down a notch—it requires a 24/7 monitoring subscription for the device to truly shine. You’ll just have sensors, but the keypad won’t work after the three-month free trial runs out. The Wyze Cam add-on will also lose smart features and extended storage. Still, the service is cheaper than market averages, you probably wanted it anyway.

Most compatible: Abode Security System Starter Kit

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Abode goes way beyond just Z-wave and Zigbee.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 1 door/window sensor, 1 motion sensor
• 24/7 professional monitoring: Between $7-$22/mo. (Semi-optional)
• Smart protocols: Zigbee, Z-wave, Homekit, IFTTT

Pros

• Connects and works with just about anything
• Variable professional monitoring options
• Sub-30-minute total setup time
• Easily expandable

Cons

• Limited sensors in starter kit
• Reviews note poor customer service

Can’t decide between Zigbee and Z-wave, so want access to both? Not sure if you want to use Alexa or opt for a Google home security system? Need HomeKit or IFTTT support? It’s time to look at an Abode Security System, a home security system that connects with all of these in some way.

The Abode Security System Starter Kit is a perfect way to get set up with the system, as it includes the main hub, a couple of sensors, and a key fob. You’ll find it surprisingly easy to set up and get going—even technological turtles report installation times of under 30 minutes—but will quickly find yourself wanting other pieces if you don’t have, for example, home security cameras from an existing, compatible system. If you decide to stick with Abode products, you can choose from glass break sensors, water leak sensors, smoke alarms, and indoor/outdoor cameras to tailor the system to your needs.

While all owners have access to alerts and live video feeds, more “advanced” features—such as video storage—require you to subscribe to one of Abode’s plans, either the Standard (self-monitoring) or Pro (professional monitoring).

Best budget: Tolviviov Wi-Fi Door Alarm System

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This is the best smart home security system under $100.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 5 door/window sensors
• 24/7 professional monitoring: No
• Smart protocols: N/A

Pros

• Simple to use system with keychain fob and app control
• Very loud alarm
• Affordable for all pricing
• No monthly payments

Cons

• Supported by 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network only
• Lower brand recognition

If you’re wanting to avoid overly techy solutions to your problems and save money in the long run while doing so, the Tolviviov Wi-Fi Door Alarm System is worth checking out. Tolviviov systems, in addition to being budget-friendly, also happen to be the best smart home security systems for elderly people due to their extremely loud alarm systems and manual keychain controls. It still has app functionality, including Alexa support, for those wanting a more modern feel.

Considering the price range, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Tolviviov system doesn’t have a professional monitoring system. However, this lack comes with a silver lining, as systems with professional monitoring on a recurring monthly subscription often tie other features into it. With the Tolviviov, what you see is what you get. A loud siren to alert you to entries, app alerts that tell you what sensor was disturbed, and the option for Alexa voice support. It’s simple, but it works.

The main concerns for the Tolviviov system are its connections and brand recognition. The Tolviviov only works with the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. Be prepared to isolate the 2.4GHz band. Lastly, the brand recognition just isn’t there yet. Sure, the super loud alarm will make burglars scram, but you won’t get the same response from the name “Tolviviov” that you will from an “ADT” sign in your yard or a Ring video doorbell near your front door.

What to consider when buying the best smart home security systems

From the surface, the best smart home security systems appear to be quite similar, just different collections of the same parts. This is compounded by the fact that, when things are running smoothly, our residential security systems blend into the background of our lives. However, if you do even a tiny amount of digging, you’ll see that there is more complexity in both the hardware and the included customer service plans than meets the eye.

Options for 24/7 professional monitoring

If you have a smart home security system that alerts you when intruders come into your home, or when your house faces other problems, you are all in the clear, right? While it is a nice thought, it is potentially untrue if you are incapacitated or unable to reach your phone to assess the threat (such as while out at work or on vacation).

Typically, 24/7 professional monitoring services come as part of a subscription fee, usually around $30 per month. While all systems retain some functionality without the subscription, others only provide limited service without the full subscription.

Zigbee and/or Z-wave connection

Much like Wi-Fi, Zigbee and Z-Wave represent frequency bands that can connect the pieces of your smart home security system together. Zigbee systems typically run faster, but burn through batteries quicker, while Z-Wave systems can have a bit of response delay but require less battery maintenance work.

In reality, which of the two systems is better depends on your overall network. If you have a lot of Z-Wave products already, going with another Z-Wave device is great because they are all mandated to work together. Zigbee devices can usually “find” each other but don’t always interconnect in a fully functioning way, sorta like pairing non-Apple headphones to your iPhone via Bluetooth. 

Another possibility includes using neither system and operating solely through Wi-Fi and the system’s own proprietary hub. If you are looking for a smart home security system and not a full smart home network, this should be fine. Alternatively, super-compatible systems can connect to both networks and have other connection options as well. Whether you want to go with Zigbee or Z-Wave or both is entirely up to you.

Branding and flags

Some smart home security systems have a flag to stick in your lawn to scare potential thieves away. Some customers are happy to see it, but others are skeptical about the usefulness of a sign to deter thieves, who might use the info to “crack” through the system.

What does the science say? Our friends at Bob Vila took a deep dive into the research on security signs and crime deterrence. Here are some of their findings:

• ~25% of criminals will skip a home with a security sign.
• ~50% of criminals will skip a home with a security sign and a visible camera.
• The optimal locations for such signs are in a place visible from the street and in the backyard.
• Branding matters. A recognizable or easily searched-for brand name works best to convince thieves your home is really protected.

Privacy

Whenever you bring something into your home, you want to feel comfortable about your privacy. This goes doubly so for home security products that can record and monitor the inside of your home. As such, you should pay particular attention to a brand’s privacy track record.

Take, for instance, the recent controversy over Anker’s eufy brand, which promised end-to-end encryption but didn’t deliver. If that wasn’t damaging enough, the company’s initial response was to merely change their privacy commitment statement. They’ve since come clean, but the sour taste still lingers.

For full transparency, this is not the only brand to have publicly suffered a privacy breach. In 2021, a former ADT technician pleaded guilty to charges of criminal spying while employed at the company. Important things to note here are how well ADT handled the situation compared to eufy, that their internal procedures and systems have since been changed to reduce the likelihood of a similar situation happening in the future, and that this was an incident involving a single employee and not the company at large. The ADT system in this guide does not include a camera.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best smart home security systems

• Best overall: SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System
• Best customer service: Ring Alarm Pro, 14-Piece
• Best monitoring: ADT 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
• Best modular: Wyze Home Security Core Kit
• Most compatible: Abode Security System Starter Kit
• Best budget: Tolviviov Wi-Fi Door Alarm System

Getting one of the best smart home security systems in 2023 is not as difficult as in years past. Installation should be smoother due to the simplicity of wireless Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi connections that can integrate these systems with the existing smart home gadgets you already own. With app integration and voice support, you can get the truly convenient home security you desire.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best smart home security systems of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		CAROTE Pots and Pans Set		SEE IT	This set has everything you need for induction cooking.
Best stainless steel		All-Clad Induction cookware		SEE IT	Stainless steel cookware provides one of the most durable options.
Best ceramic		Caraway Cookware set		SEE IT	This is a practical and attractive set of pans.

Looking for the best induction cookware for beautiful, even cooking? While many people use gas-powered stoves or convection cooking that heats up whatever is directly atop the burner, others pick induction cooktops—cooking surfaces with a copper coil that creates a magnetic field to heat the pan and food. However, these appliances need the proper cookware to achieve optimal results. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Some cookware is naturally induction-ready, such as cast iron, enameled cast iron, and stainless steel. And if you’re unsure if one of your pots or pants is induction-ready, you can try the magnet trick: place a magnet on the bottom of your cookware and see if it sticks. If you’re not 100% or just looking for an upgrade, however, choose one of our picks for the best induction cookware and spend the rest of your time perfecting your gnocchi recipe.

• Best overall: CAROTE Pots and Pans Set
• Best stainless steel: All-Clad Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe Induction Compatible Cookware Set
• Best eco-friendly: GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick 8″, 9.5″, And 11″ Frypan Set
• Best cast iron: Our Place Cast Iron Always Pan
• Best ceramic: Caraway Cookware Set

How we chose the best induction cookware 

To provide a solid recommendation list, we evaluated the best induction cookware on a few key factors. Firstly, we looked at brand reputation and reviews. How reputable is the brand, and how many active customers took to the internet to recommend their favorite piece of induction cookware? 

Second, we evaluated the value of the product. While some products may be more expensive than others, we thought more about what you are getting for that price. Is it multi-use, replacing the need for other cookware that will ultimately save you money? Are the materials highly durable and long-lasting? Does it come in a money-saving set? 

We also looked at the best induction cookware that was versatile and ready for any surface, not just induction cooktops. In addition, we considered cleanup because ease of use is super important for busy families and professionals who don’t want to slave all day rinsing and reconsidering their kitchens.

The best induction cookware: Reviews & Recommendations

When buying cookware, you must decide whether to buy individual pieces or complete packages. The best cookware sets offer the pots and pans you need without a ton of extra stuff that drives up the cost. Here are our picks for the best induction cookware—complete sets and single pans.

Best overall: CAROTE Pots and Pans Set

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: Aluminum
• Number of Pieces: 10
• Dishwasher Safe: No

Pros

• 10-piece set
• Super affordable, great value
• Over 5,000 positive Amazon reviews
• Free of toxic chemicals 
• Ultra non-stick

Cons

• Exterior may wear off with time
• Not as much brand recognition
• Only one colorway 

We chose the Carote induction-ready cookware set as best overall because you simply cannot beat that level of quality for such an ultra-affordable price point. It has virtually all the same specs as our other contenders, yet offers more pieces for less money. 

This 10-piece set comes with a 9.5-inch frying pan, an 11-inch frying pan, saute pan with lid, a casserole dish with lid, a saucepan with lid, a steamer, and a silicone turner. The set offers all of that for less than $150.

These pots and pans are made from a harder granite material with non-stick properties. They’re also PFOS/PFOA free, so you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals soaking into your food.

It’s suitable for all stoves, and because their non-stick game is so on point, the cleanup is quick and easy regardless of what you cook. Many reviewers say they could have just used hot water. The downside: the handle gets super hot, so you may need to get some silicone handle covers. They are also not dishwasher safe, and they only come in one colorway. But all of that can’t dampen the sheer value this set offers.

Best stainless steel: All-Clad Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe Induction Compatible Cookware Set

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: Stainless Steel
• Number of Pieces: 7
• Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Pros

• Dishwasher Safe
• Multiple set number options
• 3 bonded layers of stainless steel and responsive aluminum
• Excellent quality; sturdy & durable

Cons

• Pricey
• Some reviewers noted that it is not easy to put in dishwasher

With a clean design and American-made, high-quality materials, All-Clad is an absolute staple for induction-ready stainless steel cookware. These beautiful pans are dishwasher safe, making them perfect for busy households that favor quick and simple cleanups.

All-Clad stainless steel pans feature a tri-ply construction, made with a responsive aluminum core bonded with 2 layers of stainless steel that allows for even heat distribution. 

The 7-piece set contains a 10-inch fry pan, a 3-quart saucepan with lid, a 3-quart saute pan with lid, and a versatile 8-quart Stockpot with lid. There are also 5-, 10-, and 14-piece options available. They are oven safe up to 600 degrees F and resist warping, so you can really abuse these pans without worry.

Best eco-friendly: GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick 8″, 9.5″, And 11″ Frypan Set

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: Ceramic
• Number of Pieces: 3
• Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Pros

• Dishwasher Safe (Hand Washing Recommended) 
• Oven safe up to 600 degrees F.
• Nonstick & scratch-resistant
• Free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium
• Good value

Cons

• Durability may wane after heavy long-term use

GreenPan is a world leader when it comes to eco-friendly cookware. They supply healthy ceramic nonstick pans with toxin-free coating; all pans are free from  PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.

This three-piece ceramic nonstick set includes 8-inch, 9.5-inch, and 11-inch fry pans that feature diamond-infused ceramic nonstick coating, their signature Magneto induction base suitable for all stovetops, and truly high-quality materials and manufacturing. They are oven safe up to 600 degrees F.

Reviewers love that you can use metal utensils on them, they’re attractive on your countertop, and they are exactly as advertised without any surprises. Some reviewers noted, though, that durability waned after 1-2 years of heavy use. 

Best cast iron: Our Place Cast Iron Always Pan

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: Enameled cast iron
• Number of Pieces: 1
• Dishwasher Safe: No

Pros

• 8-in-1 uses
• Made from premium enameled cast iron
• Easy to clean
• Comes with lid
• Lighter weight than other cast irons

Cons

• Not dishwasher-friendly (though most cast irons aren’t)
• No long-term seasoning, which some may prefer
• No pour spouts

This 8-in-1 cast iron pan allows for multiple uses for cooking, so you can save space and reduce clutter. It comes with a lid and silicone Hot Grips, so you won’t be screaming in pain from hot handles.

It’s oven-safe up to 500 degrees F (or 425 degrees F with the lid) and is super easy to clean with glossy exteriors. Reviewers love that it comes in several beautiful colors, that it’s lighter in weight than many other cast irons of the same size, that it’s a good value for the price, and how much easier it is to clean than others. 

One thing you should note is that because it’s made of black matte enameled cast iron, you won’t need to pre-season it, unlike other cast irons, and it can be used to cook with acidic foods. That’s a plus, but that also means you’ll need to use more butter or oils to cook with since it doesn’t build up that seasoning over time. Some users may prefer that long-term seasoning effect and cook with fewer fats. There are also no pour spouts for removing excess oil or liquids.

Best ceramic: Caraway Cookware Set

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: Ceramic 
• Number of Pieces: 4 + storage
• Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Pros

• Visually beautiful
• Nonstick 
• Comes with storage
• Free of toxic chemicals
• Even cooking

Cons

• Handle gets hot
• Nor dishwasher-friendly
• Can easily ding/scratch

The Caraway cookware set is a cult favorite with almost 40,000 positive site reviews. While many social media ads can be misleading, Caraway has made a huge splash on the internet, and with good reason.

This set comes with a 10.5-inch frying pan, a 3-quart saucepan, a 4-quart saute pan, and a 6.5-quart dutch oven. They come with lids. It’s aesthetically beautiful, with a clean yet glossy look.

We love that this set comes with storage (magnetic pan racks and a canvas lid holder), is made with a non-toxic coating (free of PTFEs, like Teflon, PFOA, and heavy metals), and comes in several colors to choose from to suit your taste. It’s oven-safe up to 550 degrees F.

Reviewers love the even cooking, excellent customer service, and how there’s very little sticking with such easy cleanup. They’re not super cheap, but they’re a good investment piece for cookware that won’t cause a massive headache.

What to consider when choosing the best induction cookware

Whether you’re looking for stainless steel pots and pans, ceramic frying pans, or cast iron induction cookware, there are a few variables you should consider before taking the plunge.

Materials

When deciding on the best induction cookware, look for indicators of an induction-compatible symbol, also known as a ferromagnetic base. There are a few kinds of cookware that are naturally induction ready, like:

• Cast iron
• Stainless steel
• Some aluminum (must have stainless steel plate)

You’ll also need to consider cost or, rather, value. Sometimes you’ll see a higher price tag but look into it further. Does it come as a set? Are there better, more durable materials that will ultimately save you money? 

Handles

While some cookware comes with insulated handles, others have simple metal handles that get hot along with the cooking area. In those cases, you’ll need an extra silicon grip or a glove to move the pans around. If that sounds like an annoying extra step, consider something with a built-in solution.

Before you buy

We highly recommend searching for non-stick cookware for easier cleanup and handling. Make sure it comes with a non-toxic coating, however, because many non-stick pans come with Teflon or other toxic chemicals that seep into your food and are harmful to the environment.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best induction cookware

• Best overall: CAROTE Pots and Pans Set
• Best stainless steel: All-Clad Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe Induction Compatible Cookware Set
• Best eco-friendly: GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick 8″, 9.5″, And 11″ Frypan Set
• Best cast iron: Our Place Cast Iron Always Pan
• Best ceramic: Caraway Cookware Set

We think everyone should treat cookware like an investment. A solid set of pans can last for years and years with proper care, but you have to start with the right product. If you’re looking for a new way to cook, induction stoves range from simple hot plate-style models to advanced surfaces. The best induction cookware offers easy cleaning, simple use, and long-lasting durability to keep those asparagus tips crispy well into the future. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best induction cookware of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

I used to cover conventions as a producer and cameraman and that meant conducting lots of interviews from crowded show floors. Because we wanted to stay light and mobile, we ran two mics directly into the XLR audio inputs on our video camera: one for the on-air host and the other for whoever she interviewed. The set-up worked, but it had two big problems. First, we could only use two microphones, and interviewing more than one person meant having them share a mic on-camera. Frankly, that looks a little lame. Much more significantly, we had no way to broadcast live and by the time our stories were uploaded that evening from a computer, we were often scooped by teams with expensive livestreaming technology. If I could take one piece of recording equipment back in time with me and do it all over again, I’d pack the Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X. 

Combined with an LTE or Wi-Fi-connected smartphone camera, this compact audio mixer for streaming is a pocket-sized problem solver. Whether you’re a podcaster, vlogger, videographer, or musician in the studio or on stage, the Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X helps get your audio to the masses. 

SEE IT

What is the Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X

The battery- and/or USB-powered GO:MIXER PRO-X features nine channels of audio for microphones, instruments, and line-level sources like music players. It also has a USB output so you can send your jam session directly to a phone or computer for livestreaming or recording. And at only 4.12 inches wide, 6.12 inches deep, and 1.62 inches high, this 8-ounce unit is ridiculously easy to transport. The $149 device isn’t any tougher on the pocketbook than it is on an actual cargo pants pocket but, at this price point, Roland had to make some choices about which features to include and which ones to leave out of the mix. With that in mind, let’s look at whether this mini-mixer for your smartphone is right for you. 

The Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X makes some modest improvements over the company’s previous model, the GO:MIXER PRO. Like its predecessor, the PRO-X features an XLR microphone input with optional 48v phantom power for use with condenser mics; a ¼-inch jack for guitar or bass; dual mono ¼-inch inputs for stereo, line-level instruments; two stereo TRS inputs for external audio from sources like music players; and, finally, a dedicated TRRS jack for connecting a smartphone’s output without losing access to its microphone. 

The Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X’s design

The Roland GO: Mixer PRO-X owes much of its portability to its small size, of course. But you can’t wander through the backcountry broadcasting your livestream if you need to plug into a wall outlet to make it all work. Thankfully, this little mixer draws power from four AAA batteries (not included). Roland claims you’ll get four-and-a-half hours of use from them; in my tests, I came in at just shy of that before I noticed little dips in the audio quality—and then the unit conked out completely. However, the mixer also draws power through its USB port, whether plugged into your phone, computer, or an external power pack. And if you’re using the mixer in a single spot, you can, of course, plug it into the wall via an adapter (also not included). Roland points out—and my tests confirm—that you’ll need to use batteries if you want phantom power for your mics. This will shorten the batteries’ run times, but I had more than enough juice to get through my recording sessions. The versatility of the dual power sources—battery and USB—is a nice touch. 

Hitting the right cords

The mixer connects to your smartphone or computer via a micro-USB jack located on the back of the unit. Much to my delight, Roland included a micro-USB-to-USB-C cable, as well as a micro-USB-to-Lightning cable, making it easy to connect to both older and new Apple and Android smartphones. The company also tossed in a TRRS cable for use with a phone’s dedicated audio output (found on Android phones and older iPhones). This makes the mixer usable straight out of the box.

The Roland GO:Mixer PRO-X improves on its older sibling by adding an attenuator switch that, when engaged, pads the guitar/bass input to help control hotter signals from instruments with active pickups. Roland also added a loopback function so you can play music from your smartphone while still recording video. Finally, they upgraded the headphone output to support headset and earbud mics. 

A strange spin on things

Roland arranged the mixer’s five knobs with enough space between them for even the thickest of fingers—or someone wearing gloves while using it outside on a chilly day. The knobs aren’t as rock-solid as those found on higher-end mixers, but they’re not flimsy either and I never felt like they were at risk of breaking when I carried it in a backpack or the pockets of my cargo shorts.  

Somewhat oddly, Roland marked each knob with an icon indicating the type of instrument they expect you to plug into the corresponding jack. I’d rather they just number them. Sure, the little keyboard icon tells me immediately which controller boosts my synth’s signal, but what if I’ve plugged a drum machine into it? If I’m setting up with a partner and they ask which channel has the DJ mixer, it’s a little confusing to tell them “the one marked with a keyboard.” How do I notate that if I’m writing everything down? Remember, when all’s said and done, an input is an input is an input, and the unit doesn’t really care what sound source runs into it. There are two notable exceptions: If you’ve got an unpowered microphone, you must plug it into the XLR input to use phantom power. And if you’ve got something that combines an output and input on one line, you’ll need to use the TRRS jacks.

I like that Roland designed the mixer with an integrated groove to hold my phone at a great angle for monitoring recordings or streams and, depending on where the mixer’s sitting, using the camera for things like Zoom calls. However, I think Roland missed a beat by not including screw-mounts on the underside for a tripod plate and on the top for a small, flexible arm to hold something like a light, phone clamp, or even a better camera. It would have been an easy way to provide a significant boost in functionality. It’s not a deal-breaker for me, but I’d love to see the company address it one day.   

Is the Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X a sound choice?

Features and inputs are all well and good, but how does the mixer sound? I don’t want an interface that colors the sound or introduces noise to the signal. It’s also important that it provides a decent amount of gain. Can a tiny, inexpensive mixer hit those benchmarks? 

For my first test, I decided to make a live music video about the existential drama unfolding between two squirrels outside my office window. I plugged a drum machine, a sampler loaded up with chugging electric guitar loops, and a high-end condenser vocal microphone into the PRO-X (making sure phantom power was engaged), and then sent the signal to my favorite phone video app, Filmic Pro. Then I hit record and started playing while trying to shoot the two rodents as they ran around a tree. I won’t lie, the video stunk, but I was absolutely impressed by the quality of the audio. 

The mixer didn’t color the sound at all and provided more than enough headroom for a strong signal without any added noise. I had no trouble dialing in and recording a mix that sounded excellent when played back. The peak indicator light was handy for setting levels, though I’d prefer a meter over a single LED for accuracy. 

In my next test, I plugged two dynamic microphones into the mixer for a simple interview setup. One went into the XLR input (without any need for phantom power) and the other plugged into one of the ¼-inch jacks using an XLR-to-¼-inch adapter. Once again, I sent the signal into my phone, but this time used Zoom to livestream a conversation between myself and an artist friend to an audience of six other people who tuned in for the test. Once again, the audio sounded great in my mixing headphones and the people on the other end of the signal gave it a thumbs-up as well. 

However, during setup, I discovered a rather head-scratching design decision: The mixer’s central volume knob controls output for both the main mix and the headphones. So if I want a bit of a boost in my cans, the recorded signal’s getting a boost, too. As frustrating as that is in the studio, it’s downright problematic if you’re somewhere you need to hear yourself over lots of background noise, like at a convention or a club. In order to make your headphones louder without increasing the entire output volume, you’ll need a separate headphone amplifier. Out of all the features I’d like to see added to the Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X, a separate control knob for headphone gain tops the list. 

That said, I love that the Roland GO:Mixer PRO-X makes it so easy to livestream from my phone. It’s a great tool for anyone with a podcast or vlog, whether they’re conducting interviews, playing live music, doing a DJ set in a virtual club, or holding a conference call. It’s perfect for virtual conventions and panels, too. The mixer’s small size and light weight make it easy to take anywhere, and it drops easily into a broadcast signal chain. In fact, the size and versatility of the GO:MIXER PRO-X invites experimentation. Want to livestream your wandering minstrel troupe at the next Renaissance Faire? It’s easy—just plug in your instruments, set your levels, attach it to your phone, and then drop the mixer into someone’s backpack. If you use wireless connectors, you can walk around and entertain the masses on-site, and your followers online, at the same time. (Who cares about historic accuracy—we’re living in the future, baby!)

So, who should buy the Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X?

Roland’s GO:MIXER PRO-X is ideal for anyone who likes to work with audio on the go, especially if livestreaming is a big part of their creative endeavors. This sound mixer features enough inputs for small bands to play and record together, and bloggers will find setting up audio for interviews or discussion panels a fast and simple affair. The unit’s small enough to toss into your kit bag or backpack, making it perfect for broadcasting from vacation destinations or while on tour. That said, anyone looking for more advanced mixer functionality, like separate gain stages, EQs, or even multiple XLR inputs won’t be happy with the PRO-X. Roland never intended it to replace the mixer in your home recording studio or broadcast booth, but, rather, it makes a perfect supplemental system that goes and performs wherever you do. Click here for more digital mixer options.

The post Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X review: A smart solution for smartphone audio streaming appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Black Friday gets most of the credit when it comes to cheap TVs. This year, however, you can shop Black Friday deals comfortably from your home—and you don’t even need to wait until the leftovers get cold to do so. Snag an Amazon Fire TV for 45% right now before the Black Friday rush.

Amazon Fire TV 32″ 2-Series HD smart TV with Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote $109.99 (Was $199.99)

SEE IT

If you don’t need 4K definition but still want to watch television sans cable, the Fire TV is for you. Its 720p resolution is just enough to see rich colors and contrast without the cost. All your favorite streaming apps, like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more, come together in one central hub and the Amazon Alexa Voice Remote to easily access it all. You also get six months of MGM+ for free with your Fire TV purchase—perfect for future winter movie nights and snowy stay-ins. If you need a recommendation, we’re fans of FROM, a binge-able and gripping drama about people who can’t escape a nightmarish town once they enter. It will leave you gripping your weighted blanket in suspense.

If 720p doesn’t seem satisfying to you, the 40-inch Amazon Fire TV 2-Series 4K UHD television is $179.99, 28% off its OG $249.99 price. It bumps up the resolution to 1080p—still not 4K quality, but noticeably more detailed than 720p. Both TVs are solid if you’re watching a lot of DVD or older Blu-ray content that has trouble filling up a 4K screen anyway.

We’ve gone from fighting over TVs in-store to hoping they don’t sell out before we click “add to cart.” The latter is just as frustrating as the former—skip the chaos altogether by acting now.

Here are more pre-Black Friday home theater deals we’re watching alongside the Thanksgiving parade:

• Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV $309.99 (Was $449.99)
• Amazon Fire TV 75″ Omni QLED Series 4K UHD smart TV $899.99 (Was $1,099.99)
• SAMSUNG 85-Inch Class Neo QLED 4K QN90C Series Neo Quantum HDR+ TV $3,297.99 (Was $4,797.99)
• Sony OLED 55-inch BRAVIA XR A80L Series 4K Ultra HD TV $1,498 (Was $1,899.99)
• Sony 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X85K Series $898 (Was $998)
• TCL 65-Inch Q7 QLED 4K Smart TV with Google TV $632.79 (Was $999.99)
• SAMSUNG HW-Q60B 3.1ch Soundbar w/ Dolby Atmos $234.99 (Was $497.99)
• VIZIO 2.0 Home Theater Sound Bar with DTS Virtual:X $69 (Was $79.99)
• Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker $98 (Was $129.99)
• LG Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer $469 (Was $1,199.99)
• Sony BDP-S6700 4K Upscaling 3D Home Theater Streaming Blu-Ray DVD Player with Wi-Fi $89.99 (Was $119.99)
• Sony BDP-BX370 Streaming Blu-ray DVD Player with built-in Wi-Fi $78 (Was $89.99)

The post Get big TV savings before Black Friday with 45% off an Amazon Fire TV appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Quility 20-Pound Weighted Blanket with Soft Cover		SEE IT	Helps promote relaxation and temperature control for a great night’s sleep.
Best knit		Bearaby Weighted Blanket		SEE IT	This chunky blanket is hand-knit from organic cotton and looks great in your home.
Best fleece		Uttermara Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket		SEE IT	The smooth fleece top and wool-like Sherpa reverse offer unmatched coziness.

If you’ve tried all the usual suspects to help fall asleep at night, such as a sleep schedule, getting plenty of exercise, and avoiding caffeine, but are still having trouble, it may be time to invest in a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets can help reduce stress while promoting a feeling of calmness by evenly applying firm yet gentle pressure throughout the body, similar to getting a hug or swaddling a baby. So, if you’re sold on the idea that these products could help you achieve optimal rest, we’ve rounded up some of the best weighted blankets on the market today.

• Best overall: Quility 20-Pound Weighted Blanket with Soft Cover
• Best knit: Bearaby Napper Organic Hand-Knit Weighted Blanket
• Best for adults: WONAP Weighted Blanket for Couples
• Best for kids: Sivio Kids Weighted Blanket
• Best throw: Baloo Weighted Cotton Blanket
• Best breathable: Brooklyn Bedding Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket
• Best cooling: YnM Bamboo Weighted Blanket
• Best fleece: Uttermara Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket

How we chose the best weighted blankets

Weighted blankets have only been seeing mainstream popularity for the past few years since a Kickstarter campaign for a product called the Gravity Blanket raised nearly $5 million. Unfortunately, the success of the Kickstarter quickly inspired countless knockoffs, which is why it’s even more important to vet these products for exceptional quality and value. With so many inferior products on the market, we took a look at roughly 25 to 30 of the highest-rated weighted blankets before arriving at the ones we chose for this guide.

One of the characteristics, in particular, that we honed in on was high-quality glass bead filling that is sewn into interior pockets so it won’t shift or even spill out of the blanket, which is common in inferior models. We also ensured that all of the products featured here use 100% cotton or bamboo fabric, except for one blanket with a reversible Sherpa and fleece cover. Most of the products listed also had removable, machine-washable covers to keep your weighted blanket clean and feeling like new for years to come.

The best weighted blankets: Reviews & Recommendations

The science behind weighted blankets checks out. The approach is called deep pressure stimulation, which uses this controlled pressure to stimulate the natural production of mood-boosting serotonin and increase melatonin levels while reducing the stress hormone cortisol. As such, many experts believe weighted blankets can improve sleep for people experiencing conditions including insomnia, anxiety, and autism.

Occupational therapists often use weighted blankets for sensory integration therapy, particularly among children and young adults with trouble processing their senses. Simulating these senses of touch can help the patient’s brain to adapt. Weighted blankets can also be soothing for the general populace, and we’ve rounded up some of the best weighted blankets on the market below.

Best overall: Quility 20-Pound Weighted Blanket with Soft Cover

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Evenly distributed micro glass beads provide gentle pressure to help even the most restless sleepers reduce tossing and turning and get through the night, making this an easy pick for the best weighted blanket overall.

Specs

• Fabric type: 100% cotton blanket, 100% polyester duvet cover
• Fill: Glass microbeads
• Weight: 20 pounds

Pros

• Even weight distribution across sections
• Removable duvet cover
• Seven-layer system shapes to your body

Cons

• Beads spread out over time
• Could be too warm for sleepers who run hot

Get better sleep with the Quility 20-Pound Weighted Blanket that wraps you in warmth and comfort. The gentle pressure of the micro glass bead filling should help reduce tossing and turning for even the most restless sleepers to make it through the night. The blanket’s seven-layer system shapes to your body for added comfort, with even weight distribution to balance the pressure across the quilted sections.

The 100% cotton material is designed to keep you cool. Although, some sleepers who run hot or live in warm climates may still think it’s too warm. So that’s something to consider if you fall into either of those categories. There’s also a removable duvet cover for easy cleaning, with a durable zipper and eight duvet tie-loops to keep the blanket in place. 

A handful of customers have also had issues with the glass beads redistributing after a few weeks or months of use but seem to be in the minority. However, those who have experienced problems also seem to have had good luck by contacting customer service.

Best knit: Bearaby Napper Organic Hand-Knit Weighted Blanket

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This gorgeous chunky blanket is made from sustainable materials, customizable in size, weight, and color, and feels delightful to snuggle under.

Specs

• Fabric type: Organic cotton
• Fill: N/A
• Weight: Available in 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-pound sizes

Pros

• Beautiful design
• Eco-friendly
• Machine-washable

Cons

• More expensive
• If your home is drafty, cold air can seep in
• Some users say can be stiff at first

If you’re looking for a weighted blanket that looks as good as it feels, consider the Bearaby Napper. The company began as a Kickstarter campaign led by a former World Bank economist who was looking for a solution for her chronic insomnia. These chunky knit blankets are made with organic cotton, are free of artificial fillers, and have earned the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for not containing harmful chemicals, so you can feel good about sleeping under one.

Bearaby recommends that you choose a weighted blanket that’s roughly 10 percent of your body weight, and provides a simple calculator to help you find the best option for your size of bed. The blankets are available in 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-pound sizes and in a range of muted colors (Olive Night, Asteroid Grey, Moonstone Grey, Midnight Blue, Evening Rose, and Cloud White.) I tried the 10-pound version and can attest that these blankets provide a soothing amount of weight and look great at the foot of a bed or as a throw. They’re also machine-washable, and you can toss them in the dryer for a tumble dry.

Best for adults: WONAP Weighted Blanket for Couples

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Perfect for couples, the soothing touch of the bamboo blanket combined with glass beads provides a deep and relaxing sleep for you and your partner.

Specs

• Fabric type: 100% bamboo
• Fill: Glass beads
• Weight: 25 pounds

Pros

• Hypoallergenic glass beads
• Breathable natural bamboo fabric
• Four-by-four-inch diamond design

Cons

• Couples may find the blanket too restrictive

Both you and your partner will get a good night’s rest when using the extra-large WONAP Weighted Blanket for Couples. Constructed of 100% breathable Natural Bamboo fabric, the inner part of the blanket includes ultra-soft cotton compartments filled with hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and odorless premium glass beads. The beads are evenly distributed thanks to a four by four-inch diamond design that applies the same amount of pressure throughout the entire body for a more restful sleep.

The combination of the bamboo fabric and glass beads also creates a cooling effect to use the blanket year-round. In fact, one of the biggest problems some users have noted is that the blanket is so heavy and secure that it actually even may prevent you and your partner from getting near each other at night. Is there such a thing as a product doing its job too well?

Though the dense stitches and the durable thread of the bamboo fabric are intended to prevent leakage of the glass beads, a small number of reviewers complained of finding sand or dust in the bed after using it, so that is something to keep in mind.

Best for kids: Sivio Kids Weighted Blanket

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This blanket effectively simulates the hug of a mother so your child can fall asleep faster and sleep deeper and longer through the night. It’s easily one of the best weighted blankets for kids.

Specs

• Fabric type: 100% cotton
• Fill: Glass beads
• Weight: 3 pounds

Pros

• Seven-layer design prevents leakage
• Fun, kid-friendly designs
• Smaller pockets evenly distribute weight

Cons

• Suggested weight may be too light
• Some children could use a larger size

Parents of young children with special needs or separation anxiety may find the Sivio Kids Weighted Blanket to be an absolute game-changer. This thermostabilized weighted blanket aligns naturally with your child’s body to simulate the gentle hug of a mother. Many customers who have tried nearly everything else have reported that this blanket dramatically reduces or eliminates the number of times their children get up through the night.

Parents will also rest assured knowing that the blanket is crafted with 100% natural, breathable cotton fabric, with an upgraded seven-layer design and square four by four-inch pockets to prevent the beads from leaking. Not only do these pockets make sure that the weight is more evenly distributed, but they also won’t make any noise to wake your child up during the night.

However, some user reviews have noted that the size and weight recommendations are too small and light. So if your child is on the higher end of the height and growth charts for their age or could benefit from the extra weight, you may want to size up out of precaution. In any case, that also ensures that you won’t have to replace the blanket in six months to a year.

Best throw: Baloo Weighted Cotton Blanket

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: These weighted blankets are made from all-natural cotton, chemical-free, and a portion of the company’s proceeds go toward ocean restoration.

Specs

• Fabric type: Organic cotton
• Fill: Glass microbeads
• Weight: 12 pounds

Pros

• Versatile
• Eco-friendly
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Not as attractive a design

Baloo describes their weighted throws, blankets, and comforters as a hug that molds to your body and calms you down. Their satin-y quilted throws, which weigh 12 pounds and are 42 inches wide by 72 inches long, are substantial enough for curling up on the couch, but can easily double as a travel blanket for people who get nervous when they fly. The throw is also large enough to cover a twin bed and has attachments if you’d like to attach one of the company’s linen duvet covers.

The company also highlights their sustainable practices: All of their products are made from organic cotton, their packaging is plastic-free, they meet the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and a portion of the proceeds from their sales go toward replanting mangrove and kelp forests. The cotton is breathable, which makes the blanket suitable for use throughout the year. And the throws are machine-washable and available in Pebble White, Luna Blue, and Silver Sage.

Best breathable: Brooklyn Bedding Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This beautiful hand-knit blanket features an open weave that allows for plenty of cooling airflow.

Specs

• Fabric type: Polyester jersey
• Fill: Polyester
• Weight: 10 or 15 pounds

Pros

• Hand-knit
• Promotes airflow
• Pretty design
• Can help reduce stress

Cons

• Made from synthetic material
• Only available in two weights

Blankets can sometimes look sloppy, but that’s not the case with Brooklyn Bedding’s Chunky Hand-Knit Weighted Blanket. Like the Beararby, this attractive blanket is crafted with care. It features soft polyester jersey outer shell and polyester fill—available in two weights (10 and 15 pounds) and two subtle colors (cream, shown here, and gray). Combined with the open-knit design, that material promotes airflow, making this blanket breathable and suitable for all seasons and members of the household (including furry friends enjoying their morning solar recharge, as seen above).

It’s cozy and comforting and threatens to keep you ensconced in bed or on the couch all day—partially because it provides just the right amount of calming pressure and partially because your toes might get tangled in the hand-knitted weave. Of course, we’d expect nothing less from Brooklyn Bedding—makers of the Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress, a top pick for hot sleepers thanks to its cool tech fibers and foams.

Best cooling: YnM Bamboo Weighted Blanket

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Even the hottest sleepers will rest comfortably year-round with cooling, silky-soft bamboo fabric and even more glass beads for optimal temperature control.

Specs

• Fabric type: 100% bamboo
• Fill: Glass beads
• Weight: 15 pounds

Pros

• All-natural cooling bamboo materials
• Smaller inner pockets for even distribution
• More glass beads and thinner fiber

Cons

• Slick bamboo may cause duvet to need readjusting
• Not cool enough for warm climates

You can feel the difference from the moment you touch the YnM Bamboo Weighted Blanket. Made out of 100% breathable bamboo fabric and premium glass beads, this is one of the softest weighted blankets on the market while still managing to stay incredibly cool. The manufacturer is so confident of the blanket’s cooling properties that they even go so far as to describe it as “like sleeping in a pool of cool water,” except that you don’t get wet.

The seven-layer system is designed to contour to the shape of your body for maximum comfort. This cooling weighted blanket also features more glass beads and less fiberfill for exceptional breathability and better temperature control. Unfortunately, a few customers who live in exceptionally warm climates claim that they still need their air conditioning on full blast while using this product.

Two additional layers combined with a three-dimensional lock bead sewing method also ensure against leakage, and the extremely fine stitching prevents weight shifting from one compartment to another. One of the only user complaints is that the bamboo material is so slick that it can be challenging to keep the blanket inside the duvet without adjusting it frequently.

Best fleece: Uttermara Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This super-soft, super comfy heavy blanket keeps you warm by forming a gentle hug along your body without bunching up or causing excess heat.

Specs

• Fabric type: Sherpa and fleece
• Fill: 1-millimeter ceramic beads
• Weight: 15 pounds

Pros

• Smooth fleece top and Sherpa reverse
• Unique bead-filling technology
• Eye-catching unicolor pattern

Cons

• Commercial washing only
• Some users find it too heavy

The Uttermara Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket pairs a smooth, 220 GSM fleece top and wool-like Sherpa reverse for the softest, coziest weighted blanket money can buy. Sherpa is more resistant to fading and stain than traditional fabrics used in weighted blankets and won’t pill or shed after prolonged use. Though, on the downside, the blanket isn’t machine washable and requires commercial washing.

Still, that’s a small price to pay for the superior craftsmanship you’re getting with this high-quality blanket. Neat stitches create both an integrated look and strong seaming. The tiny 1-millimeter ceramic beads are sewn into small squares, which are further sandwiched with non-glue polyester and brushed fabric that prevent the beads from clustering or moving around when shuffled so that the blanket can be totally conformed to your body.

When choosing a size, however, one thing to note is that the fleece and Sherpa exterior may add extra weight, as some users actually find their blankets to almost be too heavy. So if you’re on the fence about which weight blanket to choose, it may be wiser to size down. Sherpa is also on the warmer side for standard weighted blankets, so it may not be ideal for those who run hot.

What to consider before buying the best weighted blankets

Size

Aside from quality, there are two primary features that you should take into consideration when deciding to purchase a weighted blanket: size and weight. As to the former point, ask yourself if you’ll be using the blanket by yourself or if you’ll be sharing with a partner. Weighted blankets do come in up to king and queen sizes to accommodate larger beds. However, weighted blankets are also not for everyone, and if your partner isn’t into the idea, you may be stuck with too large of an unwieldy blanket for just one person. 

Intended Use

Another thing to ask yourself is whether you’ll be using the blanket primarily for sleeping or lounging, and even if you’ll need a new pillow or even a new mattress to go along with your weighted blanket. However, if your objective for a isn’t for sleeping, but as a throw while you’re watching TV or reading a book, then you could absolutely meet your needs with a smaller size.

Weight

Of course, weight is perhaps the most critical factor to consider before buying a weighted blanket. Generally, most experts suggest getting one that weighs approximately eight to 12% of your overall body weight—or an even 10% is also a good rule of thumb. Depending on what you think your needs will be, you can easily size up or down, as some people say they prefer a heavier blanket while others don’t like to be weighed down too much.

We also can’t stress enough the importance of thoroughly reading user reviews. All too often, these types of products come with shoddy construction. So it’s especially crucial to choose a weighted blanket of exceptional craftsmanship and quality, that won’t tear open at the seams and leave glass sand and dust all over your bed.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best weighted blankets

• Best overall: Quility 20-Pound Weighted Blanket with Soft Cover
• Best knit: Bearaby Napper Organic Hand-Knit Weighted Blanket
• Best for couples: WONAP Weighted Blanket for Couples
• Best for kids: Sivio Kids Weighted Blanket
• Best throw: Baloo Weighted Cotton Blanket
• Best breathable: Brooklyn Bedding Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket
• Best cooling: YnM Bamboo Weighted Blanket
• Best fleece: Uttermara Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket

Oddly enough, our top picks for the best weighted blanket couldn’t be more different from one another, between the Bearaby Napper and the Uttermara Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket. We love the Bearaby because of the combination of beautiful design and comfort. However, those who prefer a blanket that provides added warmth will likely find the super soft Sherpa and fleece of the Uttermara to be a better fit.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best weighted blankets of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

An open box WiFi and cellular unlocked 2019 7th generation Apple iPad is on sale for just $279.99 now.

In the digital age, we’re always busy and we’re always looking for ways to stay connected. Whether you’re traveling for work or you’re setting up at a coffee shop for the day, everybody wants the flexibility to do their best work or find some entertainment with relative ease. Sometimes a smartphone or laptop comes up short. But that’s why a tablet can be so handy, and when you can get a practically new Apple iPad for just $279.99, why wouldn’t you?

Currently, in the PopSci Shop, you can get an open box WiFi and cellular unlocked 2019 7th generation Apple iPad for 39% off the original list price of $459. An open box item is one that is considered excess inventory from store shelves. They’ve been exposed to customer contact and couldn’t move from the shelves, but the retail outlet’s loss is your gain. 

This iPad has never really been used, so the A10 bionic chip hasn’t experienced any real wear and tear and the 3GB of RAM remains fresh. You can browse, work, game, and stream on a crystal clear 10.2-inch Retina display with 2048×1536 resolution and get online anywhere via Wi-Fi or by using your SIM. The iPad offers both an 8MP iSight camera and a 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera to let you take calls, document your adventures, and more while running iPadOS for a clean experience no matter what you’re working on. It’s the perfect tool for professionals, students, and the person on the go.

For a limited time, you can get an open box WiFi and cellular unlocked 2019 7th generation Apple iPad for 39% off $459 at just $279.99.

Prices are subject to change.

The post Save $180 on a 2019 Apple iPad appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		ActionHeat Rechargeable Battery Heated Cable Knit Slippers		SEE IT	These comfy wool slippers come with a mobile charger you can take with you.
Best microwaveable		Mars Wellness Heated Microwaveable Foot Booties		SEE IT	These microwaveable slippers help soothe arthritis pain with heat and aromatics like lavender and peppermint.
Best indoor/outdoor		Heated Slipper by Volt		SEE IT	These versatile slippers can provide up to 12 hours of warmth on a single charge.

When it’s cold out, slip into a pair of heated slippers to keep your feet as toasty as possible. You’ll get instant relief from cold floors and drafty indoor air. But it’s not just about the heat this footwear provides. Winter weather can leave feet dry, chapped, and constantly in need of an emergency pedicure. The best heated slippers also moisturize your feet while warming them up, so say goodbye to scaly roughness!

• Best overall: ActionHeat Rechargeable Battery Heated Cable Knit Slippers
• Best USB-heated: Wirziis USB Heated Slippers
• Best indoor/outdoor: Heated Slipper by Volt
• Best microwaveable: Mars Wellness Heated Microwaveable Foot Booties
• Best with memory foam: Kamlif Heating Slipper Shoes
• Best budget: HotHands Insole Foot Warmers

How we chose the best heated slippers

Heated slippers come in a variety of forms. Microwaveable slippers can be nuked right up to a comfortable lounging temperature. Some heated slippers warm up in the same way as heated socks, using a battery-operated module. Another type of electric foot warmer uses an internal heating pad that you power up via a USB cable. Once the slippers have reached a full charge, you can unplug them and start walking—or lounging—for hours.

Another option is foot warmers that work like a heating pad. They feel just like house shoes when you slip your feet inside. The only difference is these boots aren’t made for walking. They’re best when you’re parked in one spot, on the couch, or sitting at your desk. Your feet will be cozy and comfortable as long as the heat is on. In making our recommendations, we looked for options from top brands that spanned a variety of power sources and price levels.

The best heated slippers: Reviews & Recommendations